MINERAL SPRINGS 



NORTH AMERICA. 






MINERAL SPRINGS 



OF 



NORTH AMERICA; 



HOW TO REACH, AND HOW TO USE THEM. 



A/ 
BY 






J. J. MOORMAN, M.D., 



Physician to the White Sulphur Springs ; Professor of Medical Jurisprudence 

and Hygiene in Washington University, Baltimore; Member of 

the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Maryland ; of the 

Baltimore Medical Association, etc. 



PHILADELP.'HI A: 

J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 
1873. 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by 

J. J. MOORMAN, M.D., 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



Lippincott's Press, 
Philadelphia. 



/ 3%* 



Jit 



TO 

THOSE FOR WHOM I HAVE PRESCRIBED MINERAL WATERS FOR 
THE LAST THIRTY-FIVE YEARS, 

THIS VOLUME, 

INTENDED TO DEFINE THE CHARACTER AND APPLICABILITIES 
OF THE MINERAL WATERS OF AMERICA, IS 
RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



(5) 



TO THE PUBLIC. 



For more than thirty-five years I have given special 
attention to the investigation of the nature and medi- 
cinal applicability of mineral waters. During this time 
I have resided, throughout the watering season, at the 
White Sulphur Springs, where, in the character of phy- 
sician to the springs, I have enjoyed ample opportuni- 
ties of witnessing the various and modified effects of 
the water in almost every variety of disease and state 
of the system. 

Although my attention, during this time, has been 
particularly directed to the investigation of the char- 
acter of the water of that spring, I have not neglected 
the other valuable waters of the country, nor failed per- 
sonally to observe and appreciate their various peculi- 
arities, and their relative and positive merits. 

While my position has enabled me to witness the 
virtues of mineral waters in diseases, it has, at the 
same time, fully satisfied me not only that their good 
effects are often lost, but that consequences highly in- 
jurious frequently result from their injudicious use. 

Impressed with the importance of arresting the abuse 
of the White Sulphur waters, and of leading to a more 

(7) 



8 TO THE PUBLIC. 

correct administration of them, I published, in 1839, 
a pamphlet designed as a "Directory" for the use of 
these waters. It was with diffidence I undertook this 
pioneer effort in a field so entirely unexplored ; for, al- 
though thousands of invalids had, for more than half a 
century, annually resorted to these waters, up to the 
period of issuing the " Directory" not a line had ever 
been published relative to their medicinal applica- 
bility, or the proper methods of prescribing them. 

Satisfied from experience that the little effort alluded 
to was not without beneficial effects in guiding to a 
more prudent use of the waters, I published, in 1846, 
a small volume entitled "Virginia Springs," designed 
to embrace what was then known of the various mineral 
springs in Virginia. 

In 1855, and again in 1857, new and enlarged editions 
of the work were issued. In 1859, the previous editions 
having been exhausted, a new one, much enlarged, and 
embracing not only the Virginia Springs, but also the 
springs of the Southern and Western States, was issued, 
under the title of the " Virginia Springs and Springs of 
the South and West." This was followed, in 1867, by a 
larger and more comprehensive volume, entitled " Min- 
eral Springs of the United States and Canada." Since 
the publication of that work, important mineral waters 
in various parts of the United States have come into 
practical use; some possessing medicinal applicabili- 
ties of admitted value, and many claiming valuable 
therapeutic powers that make them worthy of general 
notice. These facts, in connection with the obviously 
growing importance in the public mind of mineral 



TO THE PUBLIC. 9 

waters generally as remedial agents, and the suggestion 
of many kind friends, induce me to bring out the present 
volume, under the title of " Mineral Springs of North 
A7tierica. ' ' 

A gratifying public appreciation ang! generous de- 
mand for my previous volumes, encourage me to hope 
that the present one will be an acceptable addition to 
our very limited spring literature. 

In a notice so extensive of mineral fountains, with 
the exception of those of which I have a personal 
knowledge, I have necessarily had to depend largely 
upon the observations and writings of others ; and, in 
this connection, I desire to express my obligations es- 
pecially to the labors of my esteemed friend, Dr. Bell, 
of Philadelphia, from whose works and correspondence 
I have derived important facilities. 

In treating of springs as medicinal agents (and it is 
in that point of view only that I have proposed to treat 
of them), it has been my earnest effort to present them 
before the public in an aspect as full and impartial as 
was possible. So far as the author's personal knowledge 
and experience, or reliable information obtained from 
other sources, have enabled him to do so, he has dis- 
charged the task with fidelity. 

In some instances reliable analyses have not been 
made of some mineral fountains whose rising impor- 
tance deserves such chemical test. Nor have these foun- 
tains, as yet, furnished, from observation, such record 
of their adaptations as is desirable in forming a proper 
appreciation of their merits ; hence, in reference to the 
precise quality and adaptations of such springs, we are 



IO TO THE PUBLIC. 

necessarily left to inferences based upon analogies and 
somewhat uncertain' comparisons. 

The absence of an analysis of a mineral water is less 
to be regretted if a fair and reliable record of its 
virtues and appropriate medical uses be obtained ; for 
it is only by multiplied facts, that is, by experience of 
its use, that we can speak positively of its effects. This 
being so, it is of especial importance that there should 
be an intelligent resident physician at each fountain, 
who would make it his duty carefully to note the char- 
acter of the various diseases submitted to its use, and 
the effects of the water upon each case. Under such a 
system, each fountain would soon establish a reliable 
record for itself; the invalid would be greatly assisted in 
his selection of the proper agent to which he should 
resort, and the just character of each water be properly 
understood, and placed upon a firm and stable founda- 
tion. This field of observation offers large and exciting 
motives to a proper medical ambition ; for such, as a 
general thing, has hitherto been the wild and hap- 
hazard empiricism in the use of mineral waters in 
America, and such is the importance of so classifying 
and systemizing their uses that they may be prescribed 
understandingly and safely, that he who may contrib- 
ute to this end, and thus render them the safe, certain, 
and effective remedies they were designed to be by a 
beneficent Providence, may well feel that he has neither 
lived nor labored in vain in his generation. 

I will only add that I have endeavored, in getting 
up this work, to adhere to the plain, unassuming, prac- 
tical method, which was, I think, a characteristic dis- 



TO THE PUBLIC. 1 1 

tinction of my previous volumes, and perhaps their 
chief merit. 

It has been my earnest desire to place in the hands 
of the public, and especially of invalids, a short and 
easy, but a condensed and comprehensive, account of 
the mineral springs of the American continent, and to 
indicate with candor, and with as much plainness as 
possible, their nature and medicinal applicability. 

Wherever I could, with advantage to the public, I 
have availed myself of the observations of others, and 
I claim at the hands of my readers this award of merit 
at least : of having honestly endeavored to make my 
humble labors convenient and practically valuable to 
them ; not by dazzling but uncertain theories, nor by 
creating hopes that might end in sad disappointment, 
but by plain, practical facts in relation to the nature 
and proper uses of our various mineral waters. 

In arranging the matter for the volume, I shall treat 
of the waters under the heads of the States in which 
they are respectively found ; and have preferred to in- 
troduce the States rather in the order of their mineral 
water similitudes than in the usual geographical or 
political order in which they are generally made to 
stand. Hence I shall first treat of the waters of Vir- 
ginia and West Virginia, and of the Western and South- 
ern States ; and then of those of the North and East, 
commencing with the great mineral water State of New 
York. 

I have intentionally avoided in this, as in my previ- 
ous volumes, all criticisms upon the improvements of 
spring property, or of the character of the accommo- 



12 TO THE PUBLIC. 

dations at the several springs. Such criticism, in a 
printed volume intended for reierence long after its 
issue from the press, would be likely to mislead, and 
probably do great injustice ; inasmuch as improvements, 
now faulty, may, before the next season, be rendered 
very comfortable, and bad hotel accommodations are 
often amended in a day by a change of landlord or 
manager. It is of the nature and medicinal applicability 
of mineral waters that I have felt called upon to write ; 
and this I have done without prejudice, fear, or favor; 
having no interest, directly or indirectly, in any of the 
springs, and influenced alone in my estimation of them 
by personal observation, or, when this has been want- 
ing, from the most reliable information I could obtain. 
I am not vain enough to suppose that none of my 
opinions are erroneous : to err is both human and com- 
mon ; but upon the honest integrity with which they 
have been formed, the invalid, the profession, and the 
general public may rely. 

J. J. Moorman. 

White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., 
March, 1873. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

PAGE 

Early Use of, etc. — Experience the only Guide in the Adminis- 
tration — Medical Efficacy — Modus Operandi, etc. — Length of 
Time to be Used — General Remarks on Administration 21 

CHAPTER II. 
MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL (CONTINUED). 
Resemblance of some Mineral Waters to Mercury — Errors and 
Abuse of Mineral Waters, etc. — Changing from Spring to 
Spring — Dress — Diet, Exercise — Best Time for Using — Length 
of Time to be Used, etc 35 

CHAPTER III. 
USE OF MEDICINES AND DIFFERENT MINERAL WATERS. 
Prescribing Mineral Water — The Best Period of the Year for In- 
valids to Visit the Springs 50 

CHAPTER IV. 

WEST VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIA SPRINGS. 

Routes to the West Virginia and Virginia Springs 59 

CHAPTER V. • 
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 
Location and General Physical Characteristics — Its Strength uni- 
formly the same — Does not lose its Strength by parting with its 
Gas — Does not deposit its Salts when Quiescent— Its Gas fatal 
to Fish — Its Early History — Known to the Indians as a " Medi- 

(13) 



I 4 • CONTENTS. 



PAGE 



cine Water" — First used by the Whites in 1778 — Progress of 
Improvements, and present Condition — Analyses of Mr. Hayes 
and Professor Rogers 62 

CHAPTER VI. 

THE RELATIVE VIRTUES OF THE SALINE AND GASEOUS 
CONTENTS OF THE WHITE SULPHUR WATER 71 

CHAPTER VII. 

GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE WHITE 
SULPHUR WATER. 

Directions meant to be General, not Specific — Must not look to 
the Sensible Operations of the Water for its Best Effects — 
Moderate or Small Quantities Generally Preferable — Necessary 
Preparations of the System for the Use of the Water — Sensible 
Medicinal Effects of the Water — Effects on the Pulse — Synopsis 
of Rules to be Observed — Use of Baths 81 

CHAPTER VIII. 

DISEASES IN WHICH THE WHITE SULPHUR WATER MAY, 
OR MAY NOT, BE USEFULLY PRESCRIBED. 

Dyspepsia — Gastralgia — Water-Brash — Chronic Gastro-Enteritis 
— Diseases of the Liver— Jaundice — Enlargement of the Spleen 
— Chronic Irritation of the Bowels — Costiveness — Piles — Dis- 
eases of the Urinary Organs — Chronic Inflammation of the Kid- 
neys — Diabetes — Female Diseases: Amenorrhoea, Dysmenor- 
rhea, Chlorosis, Leucorrhcea — Chronic Affections of the Brain — 
Nervous Diseases — Paralysis — Some Forms of Chronic Diseases 
of the Chest, or Breast Complaints (to be avoided in Pulmo- 
nary Consumption) — Bronchitis — Chronic Diseases of the Skin, 
Psoriasis, Lepra, Ill-conditioned Ulcers — Rheumatism and Gout 
— Dropsies — Scrofula — Mercurial Diseases — Erysipelas — 
Effects in Inebriates — Effects upon the Opium-eaters — Not to 
be Used in Diseases of the Heart, or in Scirrhus and Cancer — 
Chalybeate Spring at the White Sulphur 91 

CHAPTER IX. 

SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location, etc. — Analysis by Professor Rogers — Medical Applica- 
bility of the Waters..... 109 



CONTENTS. 15 



CHAPTER X. 

. RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

PAGE 

Location — Analysis — Adaptation to Diseases, etc. — New River 
White Sulphur Springs ill 

CHAPTER XL 

SWEET SPRINGS. 

Situation and Early History — Improvements — Analysis — Effects 
of the Waters — Adaptation of the Waters as a Beverage and 
as a Bath, etc 115 

CHAPTER XII. 

SWEET CHALYBEATE, OR RED SWEET SPRINGS. 

Their Analysis — Nature and Medicinal Adaptations of the Waters 
as a Beverage and a Bath — Artificial Warm Baths, etc 121 

CHAPTER XIII. 

HOT SPRINGS. 

Effects of the Waters Internally and Externally used — Analysis 
— Diseases to which they are applicable — Speculations on 
Thermalization, etc 128 

CHAPTER XIV. 

WARM SPRINGS. 

Analysis — Time and Manner of Using — Diseases for which Em- 
ployed, etc 134 

CHAPTER XV. 

HEALING SPRINGS. 

Location — Analyses — Therapeutic Action — Diseases for which 
they may be Prescribed, etc 137 

CHAPTER XVI. 

ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS. 

Location — Analysis — Remarks on Analysis — The Name Alum a 
Misnomer, etc. — Therapeutic Effects of the Waters — Diseases 
in which they are employed — Their Excellent Effects in Scrofula 141 

Jordon Rockbridge Alum Springs 146 



1 6 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

BATH ALUM SPRINGS. 

PAGE 

Analysis — Diseases and States of the System in which they may 

be Prescribed, etc 147 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Rockbridge Baths 150 

Cold Sulphur Spring 150 

Variety Springs 151 

Stribling's Springs 151 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Rawley's Spring 154 

Massanetta Springs 156 

Jordan's White Sulphur Springs 157 

CHAPTER XX. 

BATH OR BERKELEY SPRINGS. 

Early History — Baths and Bathing- Houses — Medical Properties 

of the Waters — Diseases for which used, etc 159 

Capon Springs 161 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Coiner's Black and White Sulphur Springs 163 

Roanoke Red Sulphur Spring 164 

Johnson's Springs 164 

The Blue Ridge Spring 164 

Alleghany Springs .* 165 

Montgomery White Sulphur 1 170 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Yellow Sulphur Springs 171 

Pulaski Alum Spring 174 

Grayson Sulphur Springs 174 

Holston Springs 175 

Kimberling Springs 176 



CONTENTS. I -J 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

PAGB 

Fauquier White Sulphur Springs 178 

Buffalo Springs 178 

Huguenot Springs 180 

New London Alum Spring 181 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

SPRINGS OF KENTUCKY. 

Harrodsburg — Rochester — Olympian — Blue Lick — Estill 183 

CHAPTER XXV. 
MINERAL SPRINGS OF OHIO AND INDIANA. 

Ohio White Sulphur 188 

Yellow Springs 189 

French Lick Springs, Indiana 190 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
SPRINGS OF MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN. 

St. Louis Springs, Michigan 192 

Bethesda Springs, Wisconsin 194 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

SPRINGS OF TENNESSEE. 

White's Creek Spring — Robertson's — Winchester — Beersheba — 
Montvale — Tate's — Lee's — Sulphur and Chalybeate — Alum 
Springs — Warm Springs on the French Broad 195 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 
SPRINGS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 
Warm and Hot Springs of Buncombe — Shocco Springs — Jones' 

White Sulphur and Chalybeate — Kittrell's Springs 200 

Sulphur Springs, Catawba County 203 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

SPRINGS OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 

Glenn's — West's — Springs in Abbeville and Laurens Districts, 
etc. — Chick's — Williamstown Springs — Artesian Well in 
Charleston 204 



1 8 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

SPRINGS OF GEORGIA. 

PAGE 

Indian — Madison — Warm Springs — Gordon's — Catoosa Springs 206 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

SPRINGS OF ALABAMA. 

Bladen Springs— Bailey's Spring — Tallahatta Springs 208 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

SPRINGS OF MISSISSIPPI. 

Cooper's Well — Ocean Springs 216 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

SPRINGS OF ARKANSAS. 

Washita Hot Springs 213 

Springs of Florida 217 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

MINERAL SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 

Saratoga and Ballston Group — Classification of Waters — Geo- 
logical Position — Thermalization of Waters — Analysis of va- 
rious Springs, etc 218 

CHAPTER XXXV. 
NEW YORK MINERAL WATERS (CONTINUED). 
Improper Use of the Saratoga Waters, and its Evils — Injurious 
Advice and Errors of Opinion as to the Nature and Use of 

Mineral Waters 229 

Diseases for which the Saratoga Waters may be Prescribed — 
Albany Artesian Well — Reed's Mineral Spring — Halleck's 
Spring, etc 231 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

NEW YORK SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Sharon Springs — Avon Springs — Richfield Springs 238 



CONTENTS. 1 9 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

NEW YORK SULPHUR AND ACIDULOUS SPRINGS. 

PAGE 

Clifton Springs — Chittenango Springs — Messina Sulphur Springs 
— Manlius Springs — Auburn Springs — Chappaqua Springs — 
Harrowgate Spring — Spring at Troy— Newburg Spring — 
Springs in Dutchess and Columbia Counties — Catskill Spring 
— Nanticoke Spring — Dryden Spring — Rochester Spring — 
Springs in Monroe County: Gates, Mendon, and Ogden — 
Verona Spring — Saquoit Springs — Springs in Niagara County 
— Seneca or Deer Lick Springs — Oak Orchard Acid Springs — 
Acid Spring at Clifton — Adirondack Spring 245 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

SPRINGS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Bedford Springs — Gettysburg Spring — Frankfort Mineral Springs 
Chalybeate Spring near Pittsburg — York Springs — Carlisle 
Springs— Perry County Springs— Doubling Gap and Chalyb- 
eate Springs — Fayette Spring — Bath Chalybeate Spring — 
Blossburg Spring — Ephrata Springs — Yellow Springs — Cale- 
donia Springs 255 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

MINERAL SPRINGS OF VERMONT. 

Clarendon Gaseous Springs — Newburg Sulphur Springs — High- 
gate Springs — Abburgh Spring — Missisquoi Springs — Vermont 
Springs — Alburgh Springs 268 

CHAPTER XL. 

SPRINGS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
Hopkinton Springs — Berkshire Soda Spring 272 

CHAPTER XLI. 

SPRINGS OF NEW JERSEY AND MAINE. 

Schooley's Mountain Spring 274 

Saline Lubec Spring in Maine— Dexter Chalybeate Spring 275 



2 o CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XLII. 

MINERAL AND THERMAL WATERS BETWEEN THE MIS- 
SISSIPPI AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 

PAGE 

In California — Oregon — Kansas — New Mexico — Wyoming — 
Utah, etc 277 

Table exhibiting the Therm alization of the Various Warm and 
Hot Springs of the United States and its Territories 284 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

MINERAL SPRINGS OF CANADA. 

Caledonia Springs — Charlottesville Spring — St. Catharine's Ar- 
tesian Wells — Varennes Springs — St. Leon Spring — Plan- 
tagenet Spring — Caxton Spring 286 



MINERAL SPRINGS 

OF 

NORTH AMERICA. 



CHAPTER I. 

MINERAL WATERS TN GENERAL. 

Early Use of, etc. — Experience the only Guide in the Administration 
— Medical Efficacy — Modus Operandi, etc. — Length of Time to be 
Used — General Remarks on Administration. 

Mineral waters rank among the ancient remedies 
used for the cure of disease. The Greeks, who in 
knowledge of medicine were superior to the nations 
who had preceded them, regarded natural medicated 
waters as a special boon of the Deity, and piously- 
dedicated them to Hercules, the god of strength. 
They used them for drinking, and for general and 
topical bathing. Hippocrates was acquainted with 
the value and uses of various mineral waters, and 
many other Greek physicians, we are told, employed 
them for numerous diseases for which they are used at 
this day. 

With the Romans, mineral waters were a familiar 
remedy, not only in Italy, but in all the countries 
over which that nation obtained dominion. Mineral 
springs were eagerly sought out in the countries over 
which their conquests from time to time extended, and 

3 (21) 



22 MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

prompted by " gratitude for the benefit which they 
experienced from their use, they decorated them with 
edifices, and each fount was placed under the protec- 
tion of a tutelary deity." {Bell.) Pliny, in his Natu- 
ral History, treats of various mineral waters and their 
uses ; and it is a fact worthy of remark, that they were 
highly recommended by various Roman physicians, in 
the fifth century, in the same diseases for which they 
are at this day so much employed, — particularly for 
nervous and rheumatic diseases, and for derangements 
of the liver, stomach, and skin. 

With the modern nations of civilized Europe, min- 
eral waters, both as internal and external remedies, 
have always been held in high estimation. The 
national regulations that have'from time to time been 
adopted to investigate their virtues and their appropri- 
ate applicability, and to guard against their improper 
use, sufficiently manifest the importance that has been 
attached to them as remedial agents. Henri IV., we 
are told, " during his youth had frequented the springs 
of the Pyrenees, and witnessing the abuses in the 
employment of so useful a remedy, sought to correct 
them after his accession to the throne of France. He 
nominated, by edicts and letters-patent, in 1603, 
superintendents and superintendents-general, who were 
charged with the entire control over the use of mineral 
waters, baths, and fountains of the kingdom. Most of 
the mineral springs and bathing establishments on the 
continent of Europe are placed under a somewhat sim- 
ilar superintendence, and a resident physician is also 
appointed by the government." {Bell.) 

Although mineral waters had been favorite remedial 
agents with the enlightened nations of the earth for 
many centuries, it was comparatively but recently that 
chemistry, by minute analysis, was able to determine 
with precision their constituent parts. 

In 1670, the mineral waters of France were first fully 
analyzed by a commission appointed by the Academy 



EXPERIENCE THE BEST GUIDE. 



23 



of Sciences at Paris; but it was not until 1766, nearly 
a hundred years afterwards, that Bayen discovered the 
means of separating sulphur from sulphurous waters, — 
nor until 1774 that the celebrated Bergmann demon- 
strated the existence of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. 
Meanwhile, physicians stationed at the several water- 
ing-places were active in observing and noting the va- 
rious operations of the different waters on the human 
system, and in determining, from experience, the va- 
rious cases in which they were beneficial or injurious. 

Experience the only sure Guide in the Administration, 
etc. — After all that science can effect in determining 
the component parts of mineral waters, it is experience 
alone in their use that can be fully relied upon as to 
their specific effects, or applicability to particular dis- 
eases. Chemical analysis is important mainly as a 
matter of general scientific knowledge, and may be so 
far practically useful to the physician as to enable him 
to form correct general views as relates to the nature 
and powers of the remedy; but it is fallacious to sup- 
pose that an analysis, however perfect, can ever enable 
the physician, in the present state of our knowledge, 
and in the absence of practical observation, to prescribe 
a mineral water with confidence or safety. An accu- 
rate knowledge of the component parts of mineral 
waters might do much, I admit, to prevent the incessant 
mistakes and mischief which medical men commit in 
sending their patients, hap-hazard, to drink mineral 
waters which are often unadapted to their cases ; but 
it never can, in the absence of experimental knowledge, 
qualify them for giving specific and detailed directions 
for their use. Dr. John Bell, in his valuable work on 
" Baths and Mineral Waters," has the following sen- 
sible and judicious passage upon this subject : " I wish 
not," he says, "to be ranked among the chemical 
physicians, who, having discovered the proportion of 
each foreign ingredient in the mineral spring, and 



24 



MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 



studied its operation on the economy, pretend to de- 
termine the general effect of the compound. We may, 
indeed, by a knowledge of the constituent parts, pre- 
dict to a certain extent the medicinal power of the 
compound ; but it is only by multiplied facts, that is, 
experience of its use, that we can speak positively of its 
virtues." 

In no other country, perhaps, do mineral waters 
abound in greater variety than in the United States; 
and it is a subject of sincere regret, that their nature, 
applicability, and proper method of administration 
should have been so little studied, both by physicians 
and the public at large. It is true that certain opinions 
generally prevail in enlightened circles as regards the 
curative powers of some of our more celebrated foun- 
tains; and these opinions, so far as they go, being gen- 
erally founded on experience, may, in the main, be 
tolerably correct. Nevertheless, there is a lamentable 
want of information generally, and even among our 
more enlightened physicians, as to the specific nature 
and adaptation of mineral waters to particular diseases 
— information the want of which must always dis- 
qualify for the safe and confident recommendation of 
these valuable agents. 

A perfect knowledge of the various influences and 
of the peculiar minute circumstances that control the 
use of mineral waters in different systems, as well as 
the best methods of using them in certain pathological 
conditions of the system, must, as with all other medi- 
cines, be learned from observation. Now, as physi- 
cians but rarely have an opportunity of observing the 
use of mineral waters for a sufficient length of time and 
in a sufficient variety of cases, and as but little has 
been written by those who have observed their effects, 
it ought not to be supposed that the medical public 
generally would be greatly enlightened on this subject. 

I have said that the opinions generally prevailing in 
enlightened circles relative to the curative powers of 



EXPERIENCE THE BEST GUIDE. 



25 



our principal mineral fountains, being founded on ex- 
perience, may, in the main, be correct. I would not 
be understood, however, as advising a reliance upon 
such " popular fame." Information of this kind is 
sufficient to awaken attention and incite inquiry, but 
certainly should not be implicitly relied upon in indi- 
vidual cases. At best, it is generally "hearsay" 
opinion, made up, ordinarily, from partial and empiri- 
cal sources ; or, quite as likely, from the prejudiced 
accounts which are brought by visitors from the differ- 
ent watering-places, and which are sweepingly favorable, 
or prejudicial, as they may chance to have been bene- 
fited or worsted, and that without reference to the 
specific action of the agent, or that clear understand- 
ing of the pathology of the case, which would serve as 
a safe guide in its application to others. Every physi- 
cian knows how prone persons are to err in the use of 
medicines, from the supposed resemblance of cases. 
Often am I pained to see persons persevering in the 
use of a mineral water to their evident prejudice, and 
for no better reason than that Mr. or Mrs. Such-a-one 
was cured of a disease supposed to be similar ; or, by 
the general recommendation of some medical man who 
sent them to the "mountains" with a "carte blanche" 
to use li some of the mi?ieral waters." Occasionally it 
has become my painful duty to advise patients to re- 
trace their melancholy steps homeward, without using 
any of the waters, because none were adapted to their 
case. 

Mineral waters are not a -panacea; they act, like all 
other medicines, by producing certain effects upon the 
animal economy, and upon principles capable of being 
clearly defined. It follows, that there are various dis- 
eases and states of the system to which they are not 
only not adapted, but in which they would be eminently 
injurious. 

Some years since, I was requested to visit a highly- 
respectable gentleman, who had just arrived at the 

3* 



26 MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

White Sulphur with his family, from one of our distant 
cities. He was in wretched health, and sought my ad- 
vice as to the applicability of the water to his case. 
On examination, I felt astonished that any medical 
man of intelligence should have recommended such a 
case to mineral waters for relief. I advised the gen- 
tleman to retrace his steps homeward, and put himself 
under medical treatment, as he had no time to lose. 
Accordingly, the ensuing morning he recommenced his 
journey of seven hundred miles to reach his home. 
Medicine did for him what mineral waters were not 
calculated to do, and I have since heard of his entire 
recovery. This gentleman informed me that he had 
been influenced to undertake the distant and, to him, 
painful journey, by a physician who had never before 
prescribed for his case, and who candidly stated to him 
that he knew but little of the mineral waters of Vir- 
ginia, but he had heard of many cures from their use, 
and therefore advised that he should hasten to give 
them a trial. Influenced by this vague opinion, the 
unfortunate invalid had dragged himself and his family 
seven hundred miles, under the vain hope of finding a 
remedy, which the physician should, in such a case, 
have found in his own office. Now, a little more 
knowledge of the nature of mineral waters, and a 
more commendable caution in advising their use, 
would have prevented the heavy sacrifice this gentleman 
incurred. Nor is this by any means an isolated in- 
stance ; my case-book furnishes many others equally 
strong, that have come under my observation in the 
course of my practice. 

Medical Efficacy, etc. — Mineral waters are exceed- 
ingly valuable as medicinal agents, are applicable to a 
large circle of cases, and will, unquestionably, cure 
many which the ordinary remedies of the shops will 
not. Nevertheless, it should always be borne in mind 
that th«y are not a catholieon ; that they are not to be 



MEDICAL EFFICACY. 



27 



used for every disease; and that, to be prescribed suc- 
cessfully, they must, like all other medicines, be pre- 
scribed with reference to the nature and pathology of the 
case. Nor is this caution ordinarily more necessary in 
using the various medicines of the shops than in using 
the more potent mineral waters. 

Some there are, I know, who profess to be unbe- 
lievers in the medicinal activity of mineral waters, and 
who, without denying the benefit that is often derived 
from visiting such fountains, attribute the whole to 
travel, change of air, exercise, relaxation from busi- 
ness, etc. Now, I freely admit that these are often 
important agents in the cure of a large class of cases; 
but, from long experience at a popular watering-place, 
and the numerous cures I have seen effected from the 
water itself, totally disconnected with any of the ad- 
juncts alluded to, it would be quite as easy to con- 
vince me that bark is not tonic, that jalap does not 
purge, or that mercury will not salivate, as that mineral 
waters may not be an active and potent means of curing 
disease, entirely independent of the valuable adjuvants 
that have been alluded to. 

The advocates of the non-efficacy of mineral waters, 
per se, would scarcely persist in this opinion, after see- 
ing the large amount of active medical material ob- 
tained by evaporation from some of our more active 
waters; the White Sulphur, for instance, which yields 
more than one hundred and fifty grains to the gallon, 
and which, upon analysis, is found to consist of iodine, 
sulphur% the various combinations of soda, magnesia, 
and other active ingredients. Would it not be absurd 
to believe that so large an amount of these efficient 
medical substances as is usually taken into the stomach, 
by those who drink mineral waters in which they 
abound, could fail to exert a positive influence upon the 
economy ? My own experience for many years, in the 
use of such waters, enables me to bear the most un- 
equivocal testimony as to the direct and positive in- 



28 MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

fluence of many of them upon the human body. In 
the language of the celebrated Patissier, I can unhesi- 
tatingly say that, "in the general, mineral waters re- 
vive the languishing circulation, give a new direction 
to the vital energies, re-establish the perspiratory action 
of the skin, bring back to their physiological type 
the vitiated or suppressed secretions, provoke salutary 
evacuations either by urine, or stool, or by transpira- 
tion ; they bring about in the animal economy an in- 
timate transmutation — a profound change ; they saturate 
the sick body. How many sick persons, abandoned 
by their physicians, have found health at mineral 
springs ! How many individuals, exhausted by violent 
disease, have recovered, by a journey to mineral waters, 
their tone, mobility, and energy, to restore which, 
attempts in other ways might have been made with less 
certitude of success !" And hence most cordially do I 
adopt the sentiments of the distinguished Dr. Arm- 
strong, who, in speaking of the medicinal efficacy of 
mineral waters, says, il I dare pledge my word, that, if 
they be only fully and fairly tried, they will be found 
among the most powerful agents which have ever been 
brought to the relief of human maladies. ' ' 

Modus Opera?idi, etc. — Various attempts have been 
made to account for the peculiar effects of mineral 
waters upon the system. They seem to act, in the 
first place, as a simple hygienic agent. Secondly, they 
act, in accordance with their constituent ingredients, 
specifically on the animal economy. Mineral waters 
exert their more important influences upon the human 
body upon a different principle from many of the ar- 
ticles of the materia medica; they are evidently ab- 
sorbed, enter into the circulation, and change the 
consistence as well as the composition of the fluids ; 
they course through the system, and apply the medical 
materials which they hold in solution, in the most 
minute form of subdivision that can be conceived of, 



MODUS OPERANDI. 



29 



to the diseased surfaces and tissues ; they reach and 
search the most minute ramifications of the capillaries, 
and remove the morbid condition of those vessels, 
which are so commonly the primary seats of disease. 
It is thus that they relieve chronic disordered action, 
and impart natural energy and elasticity to vessels that 
have been distended either by inflammation or conges- 
tion ; while they communicate an energy to the muscular 
fibre and to the animal tissues generally, which is not 
witnessed from the administration of ordinary remedies. 

Many of the articles of the materia medica seem to 
act by sympathy and counter-irritation, and to cure one 
organ of the body by irritating another ; thus calomel, 
by irritating the stomach and duodenum, is made to 
act efficiently upon the liver, to which organ it has 
a strong specific tendency. Not so, however, with 
mineral waters : they never cure o?ie organ by irritaii7ig 
another. I can with confidence assert, that I have 
never seen mineral waters successfully used in any case 
in which they kept up a considerable irritation upon any 
of the organs of the body. 

Both physicians and patients are far too much in 
the habit of looking to the immediate and sensible 
operations of mineral waters, and of judging of their 
efficacy from such effects. In most cases, it is service- 
able for such agents to open the bowels gently; and in 
some, it is best for them to purge actively. Occasion- 
ally, advantage is derived from promoting an increased 
flow of urine or perspiration ; but, as a general rule, 
the greatest good is derived from the absorption of the 
water, resulting in that "profound change" spoken of 
by Patissier, or, in other words, the alterative action 
of the remedy. It should always be borne in mind 
that this profound change — this alterative effect — is in- 
compatible with constant or active action of the water 
upon any of the emunctories. This, unquestionably, 
is true as relates to the White Sulphur water, and I 
believe it to be so with all alterative waters. 



3o 



MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 



So well convinced am I, that the alterative action is 
the real curative action effected by sulphur waters, in 
nine cases out of ten where any serious disease exists, 
that, ordinarily, I am not solicitous to obtain much 
daily increase of evacuation from any of the emunc- 
tories. On the contrary, I often find great advantage 
from the administration of some appropriate means to 
prevent the too free action of the water, especially on 
the bowels and kidneys. As a general rule, it is far 
better that such waters should lie quietly upon the system, 
without manifesting much excitement upon any of the 
organs, and producing, at most, but a small increase 
in the quantity of the ordinary healthy evacuations. 

The quality or kind of evacuations produced by 
mineral waters is a matter of far more importance, and, 
when strong sulphur waters are used, never fails to 
evidence the existence and the extent to which alterative 
action is going on in the system ; and to this, persons 
using such waters should always pay a careful attention. 

I have said that the best effects of mineral waters are 
their alterative or changing effects ; and that, in the ad- 
ministration of the White Sulphur, I do not, ordinarily, 
desire to provoke much increase of the natural evacua- 
tions. I do not wish, however, to be understood, by 
this general declaration, as laying down an absolute 
rule of practice to govern all cases, or to apply in 
reference to all waters. The administration of mineral 
waters, like the administration of every other remedy, 
should be governed in reference to the particular 
character and demands of each case ; and in such dis- 
criminating practice it will sometimes be found best to 
use them in a manner to produce active operations for 
a short time. I have, indeed, generally found, that 
those who are actively purged by mineral waters, if 
they have strength to bear it, will be best satisfied with 
the remedy at the time, and, in fact, are apt to feel 
better at the time, than those upon whom the water is 
exerting but little or no purgative effect. It may be 



HOW LONG TO BE USED. 3I 

laid down as a general fact, in the use of all alterative 
waters, subject to but few exceptions, that those on 
whose bowels they act freely will feel best while at the 
Springs ; while those who are but little purged will 
feel best after they have left the Springs, and will, 
ordinarily, enjoy the most permanent advantage. The 
reason of this is obvious : in the first case, the active 
purgation throws off the gross humors of the body, and 
the patient feels promptly relieved ; in the other case, 
the remedy lies upon the system, is absorbed, and 
gradually produces its changing influences, — bringing 
the various secretory functions into a healthy condition, 
— unloading and cleansing the machinery of the econ- 
omy, — silently putting its works to rights, and giving 
them their natural and healthy motion. All this re- 
quires time for its accomplishment ; and hence, we 
often hear persons say, "I was no better while at the 
Springs, but I began to mend soon after I left, and 
have continued better since." Declarations of this 
kind we constantly hear by persons who have previously 
visited alterative springs; and they verify the correct- 
ness of my proposition. 

Length of Time to be used, etc. — To acute diseases, 
mineral waters are not adapted ; for all such they are 
too exciting, too prone to increase the activity of the 
circulation, and to stimulate the general system. It is 
in chronic diseases only that they are found so eminently 
serviceable. By chronic diseases I mean those slow 
diseases of the system uniformly attended either with 
simple excitement, chronic inflammation, or chronic 
congestion of the blood-vessels. To be permanently 
beneficial in diseases of this description, the use of 
mineral waters, like the disease for which they are taken, 
should be "chronic." I mean that an instantaneous cure 
should not be expected ; but that the remedy should be 
persisted in, and the cure gradually brought about. 
Sulphur waters, especially, may be easily brought into 



32 MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

disrepute by short and imperfect trials of them. To 
prove effectual, "they should for the most part be con- 
tinued daily, in sufficient quantity, until the disease 
gives way, or until their inefficacy has been fairly proved 
by an unremitted perseverance. In some cases of oph- 
thalmia, of rheumatism, and slight cutaneous affections, I 
have known them to effect a cure in two or three 
weeks, while in other cases, apparently similar in all 
respects, twice, thrice, or even four times that period 
has elapsed before the cure had been accomplished ; 
and what is here affirmed of these external affections, is 
still more strongly applicable to internal diseases, which 
are seldom speedily overcome by these waters, how 
completely soever they may yield at last. In illus- 
tration of this point, as to internal diseases, it may be 
mentioned that I have seen both chronic inflammation 
of the liver, and chronic inflammation of the rectum, 
where no benefit was produced for three or four weeks, 
and yet a continuation of the waters for six or eight weeks 
longer has effaced every vestige of the morbid indica- 
tions for which they were prescribed. ' ' {Armstrong on 
Sulphur Waters.) 

There is no greater folly, in the use of mineral waters, 
than that of laying down a definite period of time for 
which they should be used, without reference to their 
effects upon the system. Like all other medicines, 
mineral waters should be used, discontinued, or modi- 
fied in their use, with a strict regard to their operations 
upon the body, and to their good or bad effects upon 
the disease. Whenever prescribed, their operations 
should be watched with the same care with which we 
watch the effects of any other medicine ; and they 
should be persevered in, or temporarily or permanently 
discontinued, or controlled in their action by some ap- 
propriate adjuvant, according to the indications pre- 
sented in each case. 

It will occur to every reflecting mind, that the ex- 
pectation of being cured, or even essentially benefited, 



THEIR ADMINISTRATION. 



33 



in an obstinate chronic disease, from a few days' use of 
any mineral water, is altogether unreasonable. Never- 
theless, I have often seen persons at watering-places 
despairing of the efficacy of the remedy, simply because 
it had not produced an obvious and appreciable benefit 
in five or six days. A sort of stereotyped opinion indeed 
prevails with numerous visitors to such places, that the 
water should not in any case be used longer than two 
weeks. I scarcely need say that this is a most erroneous 
opinion, and often interposes between the patient and 
his recovery. It is true that some, who hold the un- 
warrantable opinion alluded to, perseveringly endeavor 
to drink as much in the " two weeks" as they should 
do in six; but this only serves in a common way to 
make them abandon it four or five days before their 
prescribed time, by absolutely disqualifying the system 
for its reception at all. 

I can say, as the result of many years' observation, 
that the White Sulphur, which is one of the strongest 
sulphur waters in the world, rarely produces its full 
alterative effects within two weeks, under its most 
judicious administration, and under favorable circum- 
stances for its use ; and that three, four, five, and even 
eight weeks often elapse before it has displayed its full 
remedial powers in obstinate cases. And such will be 
found to be the case with all alterative waters. 

General Remarks on the Administration, etc. — Min- 
eral waters are all stimulants in a greater or less de- 
gree, and some have attributed much of their virtue 
to this property. Such an opinion, however, is clearly 
erroneous. I have already remarked that such waters 
are rarely serviceable when they keep up any consider- 
able irritation of an organ. I now remark that any 
considerable excitement of the general organism is 
equally prejudicial ; indeed, I have often been embar- 
rassed, and sometimes thwarted in the successful use 
of mineral waters, from the prevalence of this quality. 

4 



34 



MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 



The amount of excitement resulting from the use of 
such waters depends upon the nature of their constitu- 
ent principles; upon the quantity taken, the manner 
of taking it, and the excitability of each individual's 
constitution. If it be a water abounding in sulphu- 
retted hydrogen gas, the most essential difference exists 
in taking it with or without its gas ; that is, in taking 
it fresh at the spring, or after its gas has flown off. In 
the use of the Sulphur Waters, with or without their 
peculiar gas, the most marked difference exists in their 
stimulating quality, and it is greatly advantageous in 
many cases, particularly in very excitable persons, to 
have the gas expelled in part, or in whole, before using 
them. 

Some mineral waters, by varying the method of their 
administration, or by the interposition of appropriate 
adjuvants, are capable of extensive and valuable modi- 
fied actions and effects upon the human body. The 
White Sulphur is susceptible of as many varied, differ- 
ent, and modified actions upon the system generally, 
and upon its particular organs, by varying the methods 
of using it, as is mercury, or antimony, or any of our 
leading therapeutical agents. For instance, it can be 
so used as to stimulate distressingly; or, without any 
appreciable stimulating effect. It can be so given as 
almost invariably to purge actively ; or, without lessen- 
ing the quantity producing such effect, but merely by 
changing the time and manner of taking it, it can be so 
given as to exert little or no cathartic operation. It 
may be directed to, or restrained from, the kidneys, or 
skin ; and what, in a general way, is far more important, 
it can be so used as to lie quietly on the system, pro- 
ducing no excessive action upon any of the organs, 
and, with a quiet but sure progress, go on breaking up 
the obstructions in the glandular organs and removing 
the impediments to the proper discharge of their func- 
tions : equalizing the circulation, removing chronic 
inflammations, and generally restoring the energies of 
the system. 



RESEMBLANCE TO MERCURY, ETC. 



35 



CHAPTER II. 

MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

CONTINUED. 

Resemblance of some Mineral Waters to Mercury — Errors and Abuse 
of Mineral Waters, etc. — Changing from Spring to Spring — 
Dress — Diet, Exercise — Best Time for Using — Length of Time to be 
Used, etc. 

Resemblance to Mercury, etc. — Between the action of 
mercury, and the more powerful of the sulphur waters, 
on the organic system, the most striking similarity- 
exists. Dr. Armstrong long since remarked the resem- 
blance between mercury and the sulphur waters of 
Europe, and confidently expressed the opinion that the 
latter are equally powerful with the former, in their action 
upon the secretory organs ; and with this very impor- 
tant difference, that while the long-continued use of 
mercury, in chronic disease, generally breaks up the 
strength, that of the sulphur waters generally renovates 
the whole system. Mercury has heretofore, by common 
consent, been regarded as the most powerful alterative 
we possess. I am not prepared to dispute this high 
claim of the medicine, but this much I will assert, as a 
matter of professional experience, that sulphur water, 
in my hands, has proved an alterative quite as certain 
in its effects as mercury, though somewhat slower in its 
operations. Not only so, I believe it to be far better 
adapted than mercury to a large circle of cases, in which 
glandular obstructions and chronic inflammations are 
to be subdued. If the claims of the two remedies for 
preference were otherwise nearly equal, the great ad- 



3 6 MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

vantage on the score of safety from the sulphur water 
would give it an immense preference over its rival. 
Numerous cases present themselves, however, in which 
they are used in conjunction to great advantage. 
Where this becomes necessary, I have, as a general 
rule of practice, found it best not to continue the mer- 
cury longer than six or eight days ; nor is it often neces- 
sary to use it continually during that period. 

The effects of the White Sulphur water upon the 
human body resemble mercury in several respects. 
Not to mention others, its resemblance is strikingly 
manifest from the fact of its producing salivation* 
under certain peculiar circumstances. Another marked 
similarity may be mentioned, especially as it has a 
direct bearing upon the proper method of its admin- 
istration : I allude to the existence of a phlogistic 
diathesis in individuals with whom either remedy is 
used. When the system resists the specific action of 
mercury, it is a certain test that the inflammatory 
diathesis prevails to a considerable extent, and this is 
the cause of the resistance ; for lessen the inflammatory 
diathesis by proper evacuations, and the specific action 
of the mercury will be readily induced. The system 
often offers the same resistance to the successful use of 
this water, which is evidently occasioned by the excess 
of the inflammatory diathesis, inasmuch as when the 
inflammatory disposition is abated by the lancet, pur- 
gatives, etc., the water promptly produces its wonted 
good effects. In the administration of this particular 
water, it is of the utmost consequence to keep this 
practical fact constantly in view, and, by proper treat- 
ment, to keep down both general and local excite- 
ment. 

Notwithstanding mineral waters are so well adapted 
to the cure of chronic diseases, it should not be ex- 



* Dr. Salsbury, the resident physician at Avon Springs, has wit- 
nessed similar effects from the Avon water. 



ERRORS AND ABUSE. 



37 



pected that they will be uniformly successful ; for it 
must be remembered that such diseases are only reme- 
diable when unconnected with alterations of organic 
tissue, which is their ultimate and mortal product. 
Nor is it reasonable to expect that any plan of treat- 
ment will succeed in all cases of chronic disease, 
unconnected with alteration of tissue; and I have 
accordingly found the methods recommended at times 
ineffectual, even when they were tried under circum- 
stances which simply indicated disorder of the func- 
tion, without any concomitant sign of disorganization. 

Errors and Abuse of Mineral Waters, etc. — I have 
before alluded to some of the abuses of mineral 
waters by those who resort to them for relief; this 
subject, I conceive, may be still further pursued with 
profit to my readers. To one familiar with the many 
errors and mistakes committed in the use of mineral 
waters in this country, it will not seem wonderful that 
numbers return from visiting our most celebrated 
watering-places without having received any essential 
benefit, but be rather a matter of surprise that so large 
an amount of good is achieved. The precautions in 
the use of such waters, deemed indispensable in France, 
Germany, and England, are greatly neglected here. 
There, the advice of a competent physician, who is 
well acquainted with the nature and peculiarities of the 
water, is thought so important, that persons rarely 
enter upon their use without such advice, and, at some 
places, are actually not permitted to do so. If similar 
precautions were more commonly adopted by visitors 
at our various watering-places, a far larger amount of 
good would be secured to the afflicted, much injury 
prevented, and the character of the several waters 
better established and preserved. It is a subject of 
daily and painful observation, at all our principal 
watering-places, to witness numerous individuals using 
mineral waters that are not adapted to their cases ; and 

4* 



38 MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

still more common is it to see those, to whose cases 
they are adapted, using them so improperly as entirely 
to prevent the good they would accomplish under a 
proper administration. Professor Mutter, of Phila- 
delphia, makes the following judicious remarks when 
speaking of the use and abuse of mineral waters in 
this country: "Like every other remedy of any effi- 
cacy, mineral waters are liable to abuse, and it is really 
astonishing that such glaring errors should be daily 
committed, not only by the patients, but often by the 
physicians who recommend their employment. It is 
by no means an uncommon occurrence (and those who 
have visited the springs of our country will bear me 
out in the statement I am about to make) for an in- 
dividual to arrive, furnished with a ' carte blanche' 
from a physician who has probably little or no knowl- 
edge of the active properties of the agent he recom- 
mends, to use the water as he may see fit, or with 
merely a charge to ' use it with caution. ' Others are 
sent without any direction whatever, in the hope that 
the water may suit their condition, and come trusting 
in Providence alone. Others, again, arrive with writ- 
ten instructions to drink so many glasses of the water 
per diem, whether it agrees with them or not. Many 
patients do not take the advice of a physician at all, 
but, relying on the representations of those who have 
derived benefit, imagine that they, too, will be cured, 
although, in all probability, from the nature of their 
disease, the water may be the most prejudicial to which 
they could resort. Used in this careless and dangerous 
manner, is it to be wondered at that so many indi- 
viduals leave the springs either not at all benefited, 
or in a worse condition than when they arrived ? 

" The regulations which are thought necessary, and 
which are adopted, in most European countries, espe- 
cially France and Germany, during the use of a mineral 
water, are either unknown or neglected in this. There, 
nearly every spring is supplied with an experienced 



ERRORS AND ABUSE. 



39 



physician ; one familiar with the character of the 
water, whose duty it is to take charge of the sick as 
they arrive ; here, with but one or two exceptions, 
those who frequent our watering-places have to rely on 
chance for medical aid. Is this as it should be?" 

A vague impression seems to pervade the public 
mind, that mineral waters, as medicinal agents, are 
totally unlike all other medicines, and that, in their 
administration, there is no necessity for observing any 
cautions, or for adopting extraneous expedients to pro- 
cure the best effects of the agent employed. This is 
an error as injurious as it is common, and ought to be 
corrected in the public mind. Our more potent min- 
eral waters ought indeed to be regularly incorporated 
into our materia medic a, their several qualities properly 
defined, and the medical mind thus instructed to regard 
them, not only as valuable therapeutical agents, per se, 
but as agents capable of extensive and valuable modi- 
fications in their application to disease. A pathological 
practice should be established in relation to them, not 
less strict than in relation to the ordinary remedies of 
the shops, and the best means of influencing their 
sanative operations on the system understood. 

The physician who desires to throw his patient under 
the alterative influence of mercury, is not so discour- 
aged as to abandon the remedy, if it chance at first to 
run off by the bowels, and thus thwart his object ; but, 
either by changing the method of using his medicine, 
or by uniting with it some soothing astringent, he 
ultimately effects the important object in view. Neither 
should the patient be discouraged in the use of a min- 
eral water because it occasionally manifests a vagrant 
and improper effect ; for facilities can be commanded 
to control its operations, as readily as we can control 
the improper operations of mercury. Such facilities 
may generally be found, either in an increase or diminu- 
tion of the quantity taken, — an alteration of the periods 
at which it has been taken, — or in the manner of using 



4 o MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

it (where gases prevail), in relation to its gaseous or 
ungaseous form. Occasionally medical adjuvants are 
found necessary, and then I have been in the habit of 
using those most simple, and those which least derange 
the animal economy. 

As a general rule, I have found mineral waters most 
serviceable in those cases in which the stomach and 
general system tolerated them readily ; yet such tolera- 
tion depends so much upon the proper preparation of 
the system, and the manner of using the water, that the 
patient should by no means infer that it is unsuited to 
his case simply because it has manifested some im- 
proper operation in the commencement. For, as before 
intimated, it will often happen, that by changing the 
method of using the water, or by the administration of 
some appropriate medicine, the difficulty will be re- 
moved, and the water afterwards act most pleasantly 
and profitably upon the system. 

Liability to Mistake in Reference to Sulphur Waters. — 
While on this subject, it is not inopportune, I con- 
ceive, to allude to a popular and common error in 
reference to the quality of sulphur waters in general, — 
an error into which the intelligent as well as the igno- 
rant are prone to fall : I allude to the very common 
mistake of forming a judgment as to the strength and 
value of a sulphur water merely from its taste and 
smell. Most persons who have not carefully investi- 
gated the subject are ready to believe that they have 
discovered a valuable sulphur fountain when they have 
found a water abounding in sulphuretted gas. This, 
as a general thing, would be a mistake, and, as it is a 
mistake that might lead to a profitless use of such 
waters by invalids, it seems proper that attention should 
be distinctly called to it. 

I have elsewhere* sufficiently contested the idea that 

* Chapter on the " Relative Influence of the Gaseous and Solid 
Contents of the White Sulphur Water." 



LIABILITY TO MISTAKE. 4I 

sulphuretted hydrogen gas ought to be regarded as an 
efficient medicinal agent, except so far as its nervine 
and stimulant qualities give it such claims. I do not 
now propose to go over the arguments for the correct- 
ness of this opinion. — they are sufficiently set forth in 
the chapter alluded to, — but merely to enter up this 
caveat for the benefit of sulphur water drinkers, — that 
the mere fact of water being strongly impregnated with 
sulphitretted gas is not, of itself, a sufficient evidence 
that it is a valuable remedial agent. 

We often see waters abounding in this gas, and, to 
the taste and smell, very much resembling the best of 
our standard waters, and hence imagined by many to 
be identical in quality and equal in strength to them, 
but which, upon trial, are ascertained to have but little 
medicinal value, and are found, by analysis, essentially 
without body, with little efficiency in their medicinal 
salts; or, with a combination of sali?ie matters not well 
adapted to give them medicinal virtue. 

Neither does the color nor abundance of deposits 
made by such waters, as they flow from their source, 
do more than afford a problematical evidence of their 
value. 

First. Because it is to the quality of the saline mat- 
ters, rather than to their abundance, that we are to look 
for medicinal efficacy ; and, 

Second. Because the color of the natural deposits 
of all sulphur waters, unmixed with foreign bodies, as 
I have elsewhere said, is always essentially the same, 
being invariably white or opaque-white ; the various 
shades of blue, gray, red, black, etc., being occasioned 
by the influence of light and shade, or being chemical 
changes, occasioned by their coming in contact with 
foreign bodies. 

The color of the deposits of such waters, it will be 
seen, then, cannot to any degree indicate their quality 
or value. A large amount of deposit of saline matters, 
yielded by any mineral water, is strong presumptive 



42 MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

evidence of its strength, but is not conclusive evidence 
of its medicinal value, in the absence of a knowledge 
of the peculiar quality and combination of such saline 
matters. Hence we should not hastily judge of the 
value of a mineral water by the color of its deposits, nor 
even by the large amount of its deposits, but by their 
quality, and the proportions in which they are relatively 
combined in the water, forming a compound suited to 
the great mission of modifying and healing disease. 

Springs are occasionally found that abound, either 
largely or sparsely, in sulphuretted gas, and that con- 
tain but little saline salts ; and yet such springs are 
often valuable for particular forms or types of disease, 
and are rendered so from the quality and fortunate 
combination of their salts. On the other hand, waters 
may abound largely in saline matters, and some of 
these saline matters be valuable, too, as single agents, 
yet the entire compound which they form may not be 
well adapted for sanatory and medicinal influences. 

CHANGING FROM SPRING TO SPRING. 

A very common error, in the use of Mineral Waters, 
is the belief that the patient should often change from 
one water to another, and that no one should be used 
longer than some given number of days, and this with- 
out any reference to its effects upon the system. This 
absurd notion leads many persons to fly from spring to 
spring, performing in a few weeks or days the circuit 
of the whole '■'■spring region" and without remaining 
long enough at any one to receive permanent benefit. 
Now, if the position heretofore laid down be correct, 
that "mineral waters, like all other medicines, cure 
disease by exerting effects upon the animal economy," 
the impropriety will be obvious to all of rapidly has- 
tening from one fountain to another, without tarrying 
long enough at any to receive those effects upon the 
body which are necessary to a cure. Such a water- 



CHANGING FROM SPRING TO SPRING. 



43 



drinker acts like the "maid of all work," always busy, 
but accomplishing nothing. 

What would be thought of the physician who, hav- 
ing decided that his patient must undergo the influence 
of alterative action upon his system, and having put 
him upon a course of mercury to accomplish the object, 
should, just before this drug would have accomplished 
the end, discontinue its use, and put him upon iodine; 
and, just as this was about to alterate the system, 
abandon it and substitute sarsaparilla ; and thus, from 
one drug to another, running through the whole routine 
of alterative remedies, without giving any sufficient 
time to effect the object? This would surely be an 
absurd method of practice ; and yet it would not be 
more absurd than the course we often see pursued by 
visitors at mineral springs, — who literally waste their 
whole time in going from fountain to fountain, and 
thus debar themselves of all permanent good, by spend- 
ing their time rather among the springs than at any one 
of them. The state of mind, which leads invalids thus 
improperly to act, is often induced from the random 
opinions or injudicious advice of their fellow-sufferers, 
whom they meet with at the various watering-places. 
One will tell another that they have seen or heard of 
some person that was cured at once, at this, that, or 
the other spring. Among the Virginia springs, for in- 
stance, you will be assured by one that the "White " 
is the place; by another, that the "Salt" is better 
suited to your case; a third informs you that you would 
do better at the "Blue;" while others will tell you 
there is nothing like the "Red," the "Sweet," the 
"Warm," the "Hot." Thus are the minds of per- 
sons frequently perplexed, until they come to the con- 
clusion to "make the rounds," and try them all for a 
day or two. In this way the hapless invalid is often 
led to fritter away the whole time he remains in the 
mountains, without deriving permanent advantage from 
"a// the springs" when, very probably, the time he 



44 



MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 



had fruitlessly spent at them all would have been suf- 
ficient to cure him at any one of them. 

Let it be distinctly understood that these remarks 
are meant for the serious invalid only. Persons who 
visit the springs for amusement or pleasure, or those 
who go merely as a relaxation from business, and re- 
quire only the tone which travel and mountain air can 
give, may, with great propriety, go from spring to 
spring, and spend their time just where they are the 
happiest. But for the invalid who has something for 
the waters to do, it is not so ; he should first wisely de- 
termine which of the springs is best calculated to cure 
his disease, and, having settled this important question, 
should persevere in the use of that particular water, 
carefully watching its effects, and "not be carried 
about by every wind of doctrine," but continue the 
use of the agent thus wisely selected, either until its 
inapplicability has been proven, or until it produces 
the specific effects which he desires. This being ac- 
complished, there may be, and often is, a necessity for 
visiting other springs.* 

DRESS. 

Delicate persons, visiting the mountains or colder 
latitudes for health, should be particularly cautious on 
the subject of dress. It is rather more easy to dress 
with the ever-varying fashions, than to dress appropri- 
ately for all the weather that happens in mountainous 
regions generally, during the watering seasons. The 
weather, in such situations, is often so variable and 
uncertain as to make it a good general rule for the 
invalid to dress without reference to any particular 
state of it, but always warm and comfortable, with (in 
most cases) but little change from his dress in the 
spring season before he reaches the mountains. 

* See chap. Hi., on " Prescribing Mineral Waters." 



DRESS, DIET, EXERCISE, ETC. 45 

Some invalids will be benefited by constantly wear- 
ing soft flannel next the skin, not only because it keeps 
up a more uniform temperature than linen, but also 
because of the gentle excitement it occasions on the 
surface of the body. The best summer dress, however, 
which I have ever seen worn next the body, — and 
always a valuable accompaniment of flannel, winter 
and summer, — is woven silk. I am led to believe, 
from experience, that silk, worn next the skin, is the 
very best protection we can command against the 
influence of cold. In rheumatism and neuralgia, a 
covering of woven silk is a valuable remedy; and for 
all delicate persons, and for those peculiarly suscep- 
tible to colds, it is a most invaluable shield to the body. 
The superiority of silk over every other covering is 
probably owing to its peculiarity as a non-conductor 
of electricity; but whether this be so or not is left to 
the astute medical philosopher to determine ; it is suf- 
ficient for me to know the fact of its superior efficacy, 
without stopping to account for it. 

Since the above paragraph was first written, I have 
had twenty-five years' additional observation of the use 
of silk as a covering for delicate and susceptible per- 
sons ; and the result is, that I am more than ever con- 
vinced of its great superiority. Indeed, such persons, 
while in our variable climate, and under the influence 
of sulphur waters, that increase the susceptibility of the 
system, cannot, by any other dress, so effectually secure 
themselves against the encroachment of cold, as by the 
use of silk sacks worn next the skin. Nor ought this 
precaution to be neglected by such, especially as the 
existence of a cold always renders the use of the waters 
less efficacious, and sometimes positively injurious, for 
the time it may continue. 

DIET, EXERCISE, ETC. 
Diet and exercise, during the use of mineral water, 
are of too much importance to be passed over without 

5 



46 MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

notice. It is to be regretted that so little, as relates to 
diet, is placed within the power of the invalid at our 
watering-places generally. Usually there is but one 
general system of living at all such places, and this 
invariably a system very ill adapted to the invalid. 

Persons using mineral water may ordinarily indulge, 
in moderation, in that diet which they found to agree 
best with them at home. Imprudences as to the kind 
of food, or of excess in its quantity, should be as care- 
fully avoided by the invalid while using such water, as 
when under treatment by other medical means. This, 
however, is by no means commonly the case. 

Mineral waters generally remove acidity from the 
stomach, and sharpen both the appetite and the diges- 
tion ; hence it is often really difficult for the invalid to 
restrain himself at table, and we might be astonished 
to see the quantity and quality of food he sometimes 
consumes. Dyspeptics, as might be expected, suffer 
most from impropriety in diet; indeed, lam persuaded 
that more than half the good these waters would other- 
wise achieve, in such cases, is prevented by impropriety 
in diet. But the evil of over- and improper feeding, 
although most manifest in dyspeptics, is by no means 
confined to such. Upon the subject of diet, Dr. Bell 
has well observed, that "slow and laborious digestion, 
heartburn, disordered kidneys, discoloration of the 
skin, and some affections of the liver, often the effects 
of excessive eating and drinking alone, are not to be 
readily cured by visiting mineral springs, and keeping 
up the same kind of living." If they (and the remark 
applies to all invalids) be sincerely desirous of gaining 
health, they will most successfully do so by simplifying 
their regimen, and abstaining from all those appliances 
to force appetite and tickle the taste, which they had 
formerly used in the shape of ardent spirits, wine, and 
malt liquors, fried meats, pastry, and unripe fruits. In 
fine, we may sum up in a few words, by repeating, 
after the great father of medicine, that all excesses 



PERIODS FOR THEIR USE. 47 

are dangerous; a maxim every one must have fully 
tested. 

Eating much in the evening, sitting up late, pro- 
longed and immoderate dancing, remaining too long 
in the cool air of the evening, are often the cause of 
many unpleasant complaints, which might have been 
easily prevented. 

The passions are to be kept in check by avoiding 
every exciting cause, either of the boisterous or melan- 
choly kind. A giddy chase after pleasure and luxu- 
rious indulgence are scarcely more reprehensible than 
an indolent and secluded life. The kind and amount 
of exercise to be indulged in by the patient must, of 
course, be regulated by the nature of his disease and 
the attendant circumstances ; walking, riding on horse- 
back or in a carriage, may be selected, as one or the 
other may be best adapted to the physical ability and 
to the inclinations of the patient ; but, in some form 
or other, all whose strength will admit of it should take 
regular exercise in good weather. 

PERIODS FOR THE USE OF MINERAL WATERS. 

The best time for using mineral waters is in the 
morning before breakfast, when the stomach is empty 
and the absorbent vessels are most active. They may 
generally be used to advantage an hour or two before 
dinner, and before going to bed at night. 

In many cases it is best that the whole that is taken 
in the course of the day be divided into two parts, 
and taken, either in the morning before breakfast, and 
a short time before dinner, or in the morning, and a 
short time before going to bed at night. 

Advantage is not often secured by such waters taken 
before supper ; and often such use of them — except a 
very moderate use — is prejudicial, from their prone- 
ness, when thus taken, to run off by the kidneys. 

As a general rule, mineral waters, and especially 



48 MINERAL WATERS IN GENERAL. 

alterative waters, have their best effects when taken be- 
fore breakfast, and before going to bed at night. There 
are some, however, who do not bear them well at 
night; and attention should always be paid to this cir- 
cumstance. 

Such waters should not be used immediately before 
or after a meal; nor should glass after glass ordinarily 
be taken in quick succession. By such imprudent use 
the stomach is overtasked, and unpleasant consequences 
result, such as eructations, giddiness, an unpleasant 
sense of fullness, and sometimes permanent injury of 
the stomach with atonic dyspepsia. 

LENGTH OF TIME TO USE MINERAL WATERS. 

The length of time invalids should continue the use 
of mineral waters depends entirely upon the nature of 
the case for which they are used, the manner of using, 
and the susceptibilities of the system. Some believe 
that they will exert all their sanative influences in a 
given number of days; and then should be discon- 
tinued. The use of such waters should not be limited 
to a given number of days without careful regard to 
effects. Some cases will be thrown as fully under their 
curative influences in two weeks as others will be in 
four, or even eight ; and yet they may be equally well 
adapted to each case. In every case of their adminis- 
tration, respect should rather be had to the effects they 
are producing than to the time they have been admin- 
istered. 

They never cure disease until they have first produced 
effects upon the system, — effects which can always be 
distinguished by the experienced observer, during the 
progress of their operation, with the same certainty 
with which he can distinguish the effects of any of the 
articles of the materia medica. 

It often happens that invalids use mineral waters that 
are well adapted to their cases, and use them assidu- 



HOW LONG TO USE THEM. 49 

ously for several weeks, without deriving a particle of 
permanent benefit ; and this in consequence of so im- 
properly using them, both in ti??ie and quantities, as to 
force the water out of the system by the emunctories, 
without touching the case, — without being permitted to 
tarry long enough to produce those salutary effects 
which must precede a cure. This is especially true in 
reference to waters that cure disease mainly through 
their alterative influences. 

The range of time within which the full effects of 
mineral waters may be expected is from two to eight 
weeks, according to the nature of the case, a proper use 
of the remedy, and the general susceptibility of the party 
using the?n. 

Sulphur waters, that benefit mainly through their 
alterative powers, require a somewhat longer use to 
produce their full effect than do the saline, acidulous, 
or ferruginous waters. I have very rarely seen the full 
alterative effects of the White Sulphur attained within 
two weeks ; and have generally found that from three 
to six weeks' persevering use of it was necessary to 
insure its full effects in confirmed and obstinate cases. 



5* 



5<> 



USE OF MEDICINES AND 



CHAPTER III. 

USE OF MEDICINES AND DIFFERENT MINERAL WATERS. 
Prescribing Mineral Waters. 

The judicious administration of mild and appropri- 
ate medicines, in connection with the use of mineral 
waters, with the object of facilitating their operations 
upon the system, is often a matter of primary impor- 
tance. 

All writers who treat of mineral waters as medicinal 
agents urge upon invalids the propriety of obtaining 
experienced medical advice before commencing their 
use, and allude to the occasional necessity of using 
medicines in connection with them in obstinate cases. 
But the circumstances under which medicines should 
be used, and the primary necessity of the practice in 
particular cases, have not always been as fully insisted 
on as the merits of such practice demand. This, we 
suppose, has been owing rather to the positions oc- 
cupied by the various authors on mineral waters, than 
to any want on their part of a proper appreciation of 
the subject. A portion of such authors, although 
learned and scientific men, and highly distinguished in 
their profession, have not, nevertheless, had a large 
actual experience in the treatment of disease at min- 
eral fountains and with mineral waters. Hence the 
teachings of such have, very properly, been designed 
to show the value and adaptation of such agents as in- 
dependent remedies, rather than as important adjuvants 
in particular cases; consequently they have treated 
of them jn a somewhat isolated sense, and as they 
would have treated of any single article of the materia 



OF DIFFERENT MINERAL WATERS. 



51 



medica. The few who have written upon the subject, 
whose residence at mineral fountains has afforded en- 
larged opportunities for investigating the peculiar ef- 
fects of the waters in individual and diversified cases, 
may, to some extent, have been restrained by motives 
of delicacy from enlarging upon this subject as fully 
as they should have done. Such authors, being settled 
as practitioners at the fountains of which they write, 
may not unnaturally have felt, that for them to urge 
upon the invalid visitor the necessity of medical advice 
and assistance, however important they might esteem 
it, and with however much of candor and disinterest- 
edness they might do so, would possibly subject them 
to invidious reflections by the illiberal, or even from 
the discreet stranger, who, not fully appreciating the 
importance of the subject, might misapprehend their 
well-meant motives. 

Many persons are disposed to regard mineral waters, 
in their curative powers, as a panacea, and, like the 
much-extolled catholicons of the day, unaided by other 
appliances, and in despite of scientific directions and 
all the rules of art, adapted to cure all manner of dis- 
eases. I need scarcely say that such opinions, when 
entertained, are very erroneous, and that the judgment 
which regards them as important remedies in nature's 
77iate7'ia medica, having, indeed, a wide and valuable 
scope of operation, but, like all other remedies, neces- 
sarily demanding various modifications and cautions in 
their use, would be far more correct and reliable. 

Many consecutive years of experience, in the admin- 
istration of mineral waters, have given me great con- 
fidence in their employment ; indeed, I yield to no one 
in admiration of their happy adaptation for many ills 
to which flesh is heir. As independent remedies, totally 
disconnected with all other medicinal aid, they are 
often fully sufficient to attain the sanative end desired. 
So, too, we occasionally find a single article of the 
materia medica, unaided by other articles, capable of 



52 



USE OF MEDICINES AND 



producing every beneficial effect that the case demands. 
Doubtless, like results occasionally take place from the 
employment of the various panaceas or catholicons of 
the age. But where we meet with one case in which a 
single article of the materia medica, or an artificial 
panacea, unaided by all other means, satisfactorily ful- 
fills all indications of treatment in chronic disease, and 
results in effecting a cure, we meet with perhaps ten 
cases in which adjunctive remedies should be employed. 
Be this as it may, however, in reference to the remedies 
just alluded to, we know it to be true of alterative min- 
eral waters, not only as to the certainty, but especially 
as to the celerity, with which they effect cures in obsti- 
nate cases. This view of the subject is not only con- 
sonant with reason, but also with the general theories 
and teachings of the profession. 

There is an opposite view of the subject, however, 
which alleges that any medical agent, adapted to the 
case, is sufficient of itself for the case, and should 
therefore^ stand unassisted by any other means. This 
theory, it will be perceived, leads necessarily into em- 
piricism, and to the discarding of all science and dis- 
crimination in the use of remedies ; and, consequently, 
ignores the value of all knowledge and experience in 
the profession. 

Now, I admit that if the selected agent be so fully 
and entirely adapted as really to fill every indication 
in the case, then the proposition I am combating is 
true,. — and under such circumstances every judicious 
physician would say, let it alone. But such full and 
complete adaptations are but occasionally found to ex- 
ist, either in medicines or mineral waters ; and, in the 
use of the latter, even under ordinary happy adapta- 
tions, we often find a state of things that primarily 
existed, or has been superadded, that must be remedied 
by appropriate medicines, or the water, so far from 
proving beneficial, will act injuriously. Besides, ad- 
mitting the mineral water to be never so well adapted 



OF DIFFERENT MINERAL WATERS. 53 

to the case in which it is being used, its slow progress 
in resolving congestions and in overcoming diseased 
action may, in many cases, be greatly hastened by 
judicious adjuvants, skillfully and timeously admin- 
istered. 

In obstinate cases in which it is desirable to procure 
the specific operations of a mineral water upon any 
organ, much time, to say the least, is saved by uniting 
with the water, for a few days, some adjuvant that spe- 
cifically determines to such organ. By such a procedure, 
the water may be invited 'to the organ, and establish its 
action upon it much sooner than it would without such 
aid. 

In diseases of the abdominal viscera generally, the 
patient may often economize a week or more of the 
time which otherwise it would be necessary for him to 
use the water, by the proper introduction of some 
medical adjunct to the end that has been intimated. 

The proportion of invalids, especially of such as are 
suffering with biliary derangements, that will derive 
increased benefit from the employment of mild altera- 
tive cathartics, to precede or accompany the use of 
alterative mineral waters, is as ten to one at least ; and, 
in nine cases out often, the subject of biliary derange- 
ments will economize a week or ten days, in the neces- 
sary use of such waters, by the occasional use of medi- 
cines. 

The general rule, which may with safety be laid down 
for the guidance of those about to use mineral waters, 
is to have their stomach and bowels well cleansed of 
faecal and mucous collections, and to bring down, as 
near as may be, the circulation to a natural standard. 

A medical rule, in attempting the cure of disease, is 
to subdue inordinate and evident disturbance of the 
system before we administer medicines with a view to 
their peculiar effect. Thus, when the stomach and 
bowels are highly irritable, or inflamed, we decline 
administering purgatives; when there is acute pain in 



54 USE OF MEDICINES, ETC. 

the head, with high fever, we withhold opium and other 
remedies of what are termed the class of anodynes ; 
when the liver is acutely inflamed, we are wary in giv- 
ing anti-bilious medicines, so called. Violent and 
regularly recurring chills do not justify the use of the 
barks, if the interval be marked by symptoms of high 
action of the blood-vessel system generally, or of great 
determination to the head, liver, or stomach. All 
these several states of violent disease are to be miti- 
gated before we enter upon specific remedies. Without 
preliminary treatment in the cases supposed, purgatives 
would, so far from carrying off matters oppressive to 
the stomach and bowels, and promoting secretions from 
their inner surfaces, only serve still further to irritate 
and inflame these parts ; opiates would increase the 
pain in the head and restlessness, and even cause de- 
lirium ; bark would convert the remittent into more 
of a continual fever, and increase the distress of the 
stomach, and exasperate the prior existing pain in the 
liver. 

From these and other analogous facts, we learn the 
important truth, — overlooked by the public generally, 
and sneered at by impudent quacks, — that the oper- 
ations and remedial effects of any one medicine, or 
combination of medicines, are purely relative, and de- 
pe7id on the state of the animal economy at the time. 
These views should be carefully borne in mind, as well 
in the administration of mineral waters as of the ordi- 
nary remedies of the apothecary's shop. 

I desire not to be misunderstood, however, as ex- 
pressing the opinion that medicines are always necessary 
in ordinary cases submitted to the use of mineral waters. 

When the powers of the water are sufficient to an- 
swer, with tolerable certainty and celerity, the sanative 
indications, it is safe, and generally proper, to with- 
hold medical means altogether ; or, if occasionally 
any should be demanded, to employ such only as are 
mild and suasive in their character. 



PRESCRIBING MINERAL WATERS. 55 

PRESCRIBING MINERAL WATERS. 

The medical adviser at popular watering-places has, 
necessarily, very delicate and responsible duties de- 
volved upon him. To some extent he must be the re- 
cipient, in a professional point of view, of the confi- 
dence of the invalid stranger who has left a distant 
home, to seek at medicinal fountains the best remedy 
for the maladies of which he hopes to be relieved. 
This confidence, while it is agreeable to the honorable 
mind, is not without onerous responsibility. 

A sufficient knowledge of our various mineral 
springs, to enable the medical advker to judge cor- 
rectly of their specific character and adaptations, un- 
folds at once to him a wide field for the exercise of 
skill and judgment, in selecting for his patient the one 
best adapted to the nature and wants of his case. 

In the Virginia Spring region, for instance, we are 
surrounded by a perfect galaxy of mineral fountains, 
of almost every variety and adaptation. We have the 
Sulphur waters, in their various modifications; we have 
the Chalybeates, simple and compound, in great va- 
riety ; the Saline, in several varieties ; the Aluminous, 
or acidulated aluminous chalybeates, in three or four 
varieties; and thermal waters of every temperature, 
from 62 to 106 . All these fountains of healing, with 
their varied modified influences (for each one differs 
in some essential particulars from all the others), should 
be regarded as so many different articles in nature's 
materia medica, each possessing adaptations somewhat 
peculiar to itself, for the different diseases or states of 
the system. Here, then, is a wide range for the medi- 
cal adviser, and his tact and success, in advising most 
wisely, will necessarily depend upon his acquaintance 
with the peculiar qualities and specific effects of all 
these different agents. 

Again, such an adviser, to be most useful to his 
patients, must be careful not to be influenced by his 



5 6 PRESCRIBING MINERAL WATERS. 

loco persona, or to regard the particular fountain over 
whose medical direction he presides, as a catholicon, 
and adapted better than any other to all sorts and con- 
ditions of cases. A medical adviser, at a mineral 
fountain, could not well fall into a greater error, or 
more clearly evidence a want of wise discrimination, 
than in finding his remedy, in all cases, in the particu- 
lar agent which he immediately directs ; for, in the 
nature of things, such universal preference would often 
be misplaced. Standing in the delicate relation which 
such an adviser holds to the invalid public, he must 
regard the various mineral agencies around him some- 
what in the same light in which he regards the various 
medicines of the apothecary's shop, and should wisely 
and freely choose among them for the use and benefit 
of his patients. Any other course would be empirical, 
— hazardous to the best interest of the unfortunate in- 
valid, and utterly unworthy of his confidence. 

Under such proper and discriminating advice, the 
patient will often, perhaps in a majority of cases, be 
led in the course of his cure to the use of several of the 
different fountains. The same water, however potent 
it may be, is not always, nor even generally, sufficient 
to meet all the indications that exist in the case, and, 
unaided, to produce a perfect cure. There is nothing 
more common than the certainty with which a particu- 
lar water accomplishes particular results upon the ani- 
mal economy, while it fails to accomplish other results 
that will be readily achieved by other and dissimilar 
waters. For instance, while some waters are well 
adapted to produce alterative effects upon the secretory 
organs, and, by their general emulging and changing 
influences, to bring the system into a natural or physio- 
logical type, — actions and influences that are primary 
in their importance, and essential to a cure ; this being 
accomplished, ^sorne of the more tonic and nervine 
waters will be found far better adapted to strengthen 
the animal fibre and to complete the cure. 



BEST TIME TO VISIT SPRINGS. 5 7 

Potent waters, through the whole catalogue of 
springs, have each their sphere of usefulness, that must 
not be overlooked by the discriminating adviser in the 
treatment of particular cases; and hence they all should 
be arrayed and labeled, as it were, in nature's great 
laboratory, and prescribed intelligently, and as their 
use is indicated in the variety of diseases that are 
sought to be healed by such agents. 

THE BEST PERIOD OF THE YEAR FOR INVALIDS 
TO VISIT THE SPRINGS. 

From the 1st of June to the middle of July is prefer- 
able to an earlier or later period of the season. There 
are substantial reasons why invalids should make their 
visits within the range of time mentioned, and why 
they should prefer an early rather than a late period of 
this range of time. 

1st. Because during this period we have, at our 
watering-places generally, the most delightful weather 
of the season, — neither too warm nor too cool for 
exercise in the open air. 

2d. Because the crowd of mere pleasure-seekers has 
not set in up to this period ; and hence they are less 
crowded, and all the facilities and comforts of a quiet 
home are more easily and certainly obtained. 

3d. In the early period of the summer solstice, just 
after the cold and inclement weather of winter and 
early spring, and before the sufferer has become ener- 
vated by the heat of summer, chronic disease more 
readily yields to the alterative influence of the waters, 
and, consequently, the invalid is more certainly and 
speedily placed under their curative powers ; and, 

4th. Because invalids, whose maladies have been 
essentially modified or cured in the early part of the 
summer, have a longer period of favorable weather in 
which to perpetuate and confirm their amendment and 
final cure, than those who might receive influences 

6 



5 8 BEST TIME TO VISIT SPRINGS, 

equally beneficial, but obtained at a later period of the 
summer. 

I might allude to other advantages enjoyed by the 
invalid who makes his visit to mineral waters early in 
the season ; but let it suffice to remark that my long 
observation as a medical director of such waters has 
abundantly satisfied me of the decided advantage that 
attaches to early rather than late visitation by those 
who are seeking to secure the largest amount of benefit 
from their use. Hence I earnestly suggest to invalids 
who design visiting mineral waters, not to postpone 
their visit to a late period of the season, and to choose 
an early rather than a late period of the time I have 
designated as preferable. 



WEST VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIA SPRINGS. 



59 



CHAPTER IV. 

WEST VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIA SPRINGS. 

In treating of the springs of West Virginia and Vir- 
ginia, I shall not be guided by their chemical classifi- 
cation, nor strictly by their medicinal importance, but 
in accordance with their location in the geographical 
divisions of these States. 

The Springs strictly pertaining to what has long 
been known as the "Spring Region" will be first no- 
ticed; next, those located in or contiguous to the 
great Shenandoah Valley, formed by the Appalachian 
chain of mountains on the west, and the Blue Ridge 
Mountain on the east. Then will follow those found 
on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge and in the 
plane country stretching towards the ocean, known as 
Eastern Virginia. Lastly, those located in the south- 
western counties of the State, commonly known as 
Southwest Virginia. 

The Virginia and West Virginia Springs present 
great variety in chemical and therapeutic character, 
comprising various and differently compounded sulphur 
waters ; the chalybeates, simple and compounded ; the 
acidulous or carbonated ; the saline; the aluminated 
chalybeates — with thermal waters, varying in tempera- 
ture from 62 to 106 degrees of Fahrenheit. 

Of these Springs, the sulphurous waters are found in 
greater abundance and in greater strength immediately 
on the western and eastern slopes of the Alleghany 
Mountains, the strongest being on their western declen- 
sion. The simple chalybeates are found in every great 
section of both States, but in greatest strength along 
the course of the great Appalachian range, extending 



60 WEST VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIA SPRINGS. 

from the northeastern to the southwestern extremities 
of both of them. 

The acidulous or carbonated waters, as well as the 
aluminated chalybeates, exist in the greatest variety and 
strength in the central portions of the Great Valley, in 
the counties of Augusta, Rockbridge, Alleghany, Mon- 
roe, and Craig, but are found in several other counties, 
south and west, along the course of the Alleghany and 
Blue Ridge Mountains. Waters more or less distinctly 
belonging to the saline class are found in the same 
range of country. 

The most abundant mineral waters in these States, 
except the simple chalybeate, are the aluminated cha- 
lybeates, or alum waters as they are commonly called. 
They are generally found adjacent to faults in the 
strata, or where the rocks give evidence of derange- 
ment from their natural position, and near the junc- 
tion of slate with limestone. They are invariably, I 
believe, an infiltration through talcose slate which lies 
a few feet below the surface of the earth. I have ex- 
amined numerous specimens of these waters, obtained 
from various neighborhoods, from the head-waters of 
the Shenandoah River to the extreme eastern border of 
Tennessee, and have found them to possess the leading 
chemical characteristics of the springs of this class 
that have been brought into popular use. 

I believe that all the mineral waters in this great 
range of disturbance are slightly thermal, compared 
with the temperature of the common springs in their 
vicinity. But the boundary of the thermal waters, 
commonly so called, is only about fifty miles in length 
and of narrow dimensions, having the Hot and Warm 
Springs for its northern, and the Sweet Chalybeate 
and Sweet Springs for its southern extremes. 



ROUTES TO THE PRINCIPAL SPRINGS. 6 1 



ROUTES TO THE PRINCIPAL WEST VIRGINIA AND 
VIRGINIA SPRINGS. 

The results of the war between the Northern and 
Southern States so materially deranged traveling facili- 
ties to many of these Springs as to make the following 
directions essential to parties at a distance who desire 
to visit them. 

Travelers from the North or East to any of the 
principal Springs in the mountains of West Virginia 
or Virginia, to avail themselves most largely of rail- 
road facilities, must necessarily make Staunton a 
point in their journey. 

From Staunton, the Rockbridge and Bath Alum, the 
Warm, Hot, Heating, White Sulphur, Salt, and Red 
Sulphur Springs, are conveniently reached by railroad, 
with small amount of staging, and in the order in 
which they are here set down. The Sweet and Red 
Sweet are on the same general route, and are reached 
by a detour of seventeen miles from the White Sul- 
phur. 

The Yellow, the Montgomery White, the Alleghany 
and Coiners Springs, are reached by the traveler going 
East on the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad 
in the order in which they are here enumerated. 

Western travelers to the White Sulphur, or other 
Springs in their region, may reach them most con- 
veniently from Louisville or Cincinnati, by boat to 
Huntington on the Ohio River, from thence by the 
Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad to the Springs. 



6* 



62 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



CHAPTER V. 

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and General Physical Characteristics — Its Strength uniformly 
the same — Does not lose its Strength by parting with its Gas — Does 
not deposit its Salts when Quiescent — Its Gas fatal to Fish — Its Early 
History — Known to the Indians as a " Medicine Water" — First 
used by the Whites in 1778 — Progress of Improvements, and present 
Condition — Analyses of Mr. Hayes and Professor Rogers. 

The White Sulphur Springs are located in the county 
of Greenbrier, West Virginia, on Howard's Creek, and 
on the immediate confines of the "Great Western 
Valley," being but six miles west of the Alleghany 
chain of mountains, which separates the waters that 
flow into the Chesapeake Bay from those which run 
into the Gulf of Mexico. 

The waters of the spring find their way into Howard's 
Creek, two hundred yards from their source, which, 
after flowing five miles, empties into Greenbrier River. 

The spring is situated on an elevated and beautifully 
picturesque valley, hemmed in by mountains on every 
side. Kate 's Mountain, celebrated as the theatre of 
the exploits of a chivalrous heroine in the days of In- 
dian troubles, is in full view, and about two miles to 
the south ; to the west, and distant from one to two 
miles, are the Greenbrier Mountains ; while the tower- 
ing Alleghany, in all its grandeur, is found six miles to 
the north and east. 

The spring is in the midst of the celebrated "Spring 
Region," having the "Hot Spring" thirty-five miles 
to the north; the "Sweet," seventeen miles to the 
east; the " Salt," and "Red," the one twenty- four, the 
other forty-one miles, to the south; and the "Blue," 



PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. 63 

twenty-two miles to the west. Its latitude is about 
37^° north, and its longitude 3^° west from Wash- 
ington. Its elevation above tide-water is two thou- 
sand feet. It bursts with unusual boldness from rock- 
lined apertures, and is inclosed by marble casements 
five feet square and three and a half feet deep. Its 
temperature is 62 of Fahrenheit, and remains uniformly 
the same during the winter blasts and the summer's 
heat ; any apparent variation from this temperature 
will be found, I think, to be owing to the difference in 
thermometers, as repeated trials with the same instru- 
ment proved the temperature to be uniform. 

The principal spring yields about thirty gallons per 
minute; and it is a remarkable fact that this quantity 
is not perceptibly increased or diminished during the 
longest spells of wet or dry weather ; while other bold 
springs of the country have failed during the long 
droughts of summer, this has invariably observed "the 
even tenor of its way." There is no discoloration of 
the water during long wet spells, or other evidence 
that it becomes blended with common water percolating 
through the earth. The quantity and temperature of 
this spring being uniform under all circumstances gives 
a confidence, which experience in its use has verified, 
of its uniform strength and efficacy. The water is 
clear and transparent, and deposits copiously, as it 
flows over a rough and uneven surface, a white, and 
sometimes, under peculiar circumstances, a red and 
black, precipitate, composed in part of its saline ingre- 
dients. Its taste and smell, fresh at the spring, are 
those of all waters strongly impregnated with sulphu- 
retted hydrogen gas. When removed from the spring, 
and kept in an open vessel for a sufficient length of 
time for this gas to escape, or when it has been heated 
or frozen for this purpose, it becomes essentially taste- 
less and inodorous, and could scarcely be distinguished, 
either by smell or taste, from common limestone water. 
Its cathartic activity, however, is rather increased than 



64 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

diminished when thus insipid and inodorous.* It does 
not lose its transparency by parting with its gas, as 
many other waters do; nor does it deposit its salts in 
the slightest degree when quiescent, not even sufficiently 
to stain a glass vessel in which it may be kept. 

The gas of this spring is speedily fatal to all animals, 
when immersed even for a very short time in its waters. 
Small fish thus circumstanced survive but a few mo- 
ments, first manifesting entire derangement, with great 
distress, and uniformly dying in less than three minutes. 

The water is uniform in its saline strength ; that is, 
it contains in a given quantity, at all seasons, the same 
amount of solid contents. Of this fact I am fully satis- 
fied, from repeated tests and examinations of it, under 
various circumstances, and for many years. It exhibits 
occasional and slight variations in the amount of its free 
sulphuretted hydrogen gas. This variation is occasioned 
mainly, if not entirely, by the condition of the atmos- 
phere at the time, and principally by its electrical 
condition. Even this variation in the water, however, 
is more apparent than real, and is often suspected when 
it does not actually exist. 

In the absence of chemical tests, the difference in 
the water is judged of entirely by taste and smell, prin- 
cipally by the latter; and some conditions of the 
atmosphere being more favorable than others for the 
evolution and diffusion of the gas, the actual relative 
amount in evolution is often misjudged. 

The springs are surrounded with mountain scenery 
of great beauty, and blessed with a most delightful 
climate in summer and fall. Independent of the 
benefit that may be derived from the waters, a better 
situation for invalids during the summer months can 
scarcely be imagined. They have the advantage of a 
salubrious and invigorating air and an agreeable tem- 
perature, — cool at morning and evening, the thermome- 

* See chap, vi., on " The Relative Virtues of the Saline and Gaseous 
Contents of the White Sulphur Water." 



EARL Y HISTOR Y 65 

ter ranging at those periods, during the summer, between 
50 and 6o°, and rarely attaining a greater height than 
85 ° at any time of the day, — with an elasticity in the 
atmosphere that prevents the heat from being at any 
time oppressive, and enabling the invalid to take exer- 
cise in the open air during the day without fatigue. 

There is but little in the early history of this water- 
ing-place especially worthy of preservation. 

Tradition says that the charming valley in which it 
is situated was once a favorite " hunting- ground" of the 
proud Shawanees, who then owned and occupied this 
fair region; and the numerous ancient graves and rude 
implements of the chase, that are found in various parts 
of the valley, sufficiently attest the truth of this legend. 
That a small marsh, originally contiguous to the spring, 
was once a favorite deer and buffalo "lick," is well 
known to the oldest white settlers in the country ; and 
it is confidently asserted by some of that venerable 
class that the spring was known to the Indians as a 
"medicine water" and that since their migration 
across the Ohio they have occasionally been known to 
visit it for the relief of rheumatic affections. Whether 
this legend be truth or fiction, I cannot avouch ; 
authentic history, however, abundantly testifies to the 
reluctance with which its ancient owners abandoned 
this lovely valley to the rapacious avarice of the in- 
vading white man. 

During the year 1774, the proud but ill-fated Shawa- 
nees, being overpowered by the encroaching colonists 
from Eastern Virginia, and having sustained, in Octo- 
ber of that year, a signal defeat by the colonial troops, 
at Point Pleasant, were forced finally to abandon their 
country, and seek shelter and protection with the main 
body of their tribe, then living on the waters of the 
great Scioto; not, however, until, by frequent battles 
and midnight murders, they had testified their attach- 
ment to their ancient hunting-grounds and the graves 
of their fathers. 



66 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

The property on which this spring is situated was 
originally patented to Nathan Carpenter, one of the 
earliest pioneers of the country, who was subsequently 
killed by a band of marauding Indians, at a fort at the 
mouth of Dunlap's Creek, near where the town of 
Covington now stands. 

The precise time at which this spring, now so cele- 
brated among mineral waters, was first used for the cure 
of disease, cannot be ascertained with absolute cer- 
tainty. It is believed, however, that a Mrs. Anderson, 
the wife of one of the oldest settlers, was the first white 
person who tested its virtues as a medicine. 

In 1778, this lady, being afflicted with rheumatism, 
was borne on a litter, from her residence, ten or fifteen 
miles, to the spring, where a tent was spread for her 
protection from the weather; and a" bathing-tub" 
provided, by felling and excavating a huge tree that 
grew hard by. Here she remained until she entirely re- 
covered, drinking from the fountain, and bathing in the 
water previously heated in the trough by "hot rocks." 
It is reasonable to suppose that the fame of this cure 
spread abroad among the ' ' settlers, ' ' and from them into 
Eastern Virginia, and among the few "spring-going 
folks," who then annually visited the Sweet Springs, 
not many miles distant. Accordingly, in 1779, and 
from that to 1783, there were annually a few visitors 
here, who spread their tents near the spring, no house 
having then been erected, and with the rude "trough" 
for a bathing-tub, and this protection from the weather, 
are reported to have spent their time most agreeably 
and profitably. Some of these primitive visitors, ' ' who 
dwelt in tents," have visited the springs of late years, 
and, with pleasurable emotions, marked out the spot 
where their tents stood some sixty years ago, while 
they recounted with delight the amusements and pleas- 
ures they then enjoyed. 

In 1784, 1785, and 1786, numerous "log-cabins" 
were erected, not where any of the present buildings 



ANALYSIS. 67 

stand, but immediately around the spring, — not one 
of which, or the materials which composed it, is now 
remaining. 

Mr. Caldwell, until recently the proprietor of the 
property, came into possession of it in the year 1808, 
but did not personally undertake its improvement 
until the summer of 181 8. Before this period, the 
buildings for the accommodation of visitors, although 
sufficient for the number that then resorted to the 
place, were exceedingly rude, being altogether small 
wooden huts. The interest and enterprise of the 
owner soon led him into a different and more appro- 
priate system of improvement, and from small be- 
ginnings he went on, progressing in the rapid ratio of 
demand, until from the "tent" accommodations in 
1779, and the "log-cabins" in 1784, the place now, 
both in elegance and extent, exhibits the appearance of 
a neat and flourishing village, affording comfortable 
and convenient accommodations (including the sur- 
rounding hotels) for two thousand persons.* 

ANALYSIS. 

In the winter of 1842, Mr. Augustus A. Hayes, of 
Massachusetts, made an analysis of the White Sulphur 
water, at his laboratory in Roxbury, from a few bottles 
of water forwarded to him from the spring in the pre- 
ceding fall. The following is the result of his examina- 
tions : — 

" Compared with pure water free from air, its spe- 
cific gravity is 1.00254. 

"50,000 grains (about seven pints) of this water 

* In the spring of 1857, the White Sulphur property was sold to a 
company of gentlemen residing principally in Virginia, who (in virtue 
of an act of the Legislature) have associated themselves into a joint- 
stock company, under the name of the " White Sulphur Springs Com- 
pany." They have erected the largest building in the Southern 
country. 



68 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

contained, in solution, 3.633 water grain measures of 
gaseous matter, or about 1.14 of its volume, consisting 
of— 

Nitrogen gas 1.013 

Oxygen gas 108 

Carbonic acid 2.444 

Hydro-sulphuric acid 068 

3-633 

" One gallon, or 237 cubic inches, of the water con- 
tain 16 739-1000 cubic inches of gas, having the pro- 
portion of — 

Nitrogen gas 4.680 

Oxygen gas 498 

Carbonic acid 11.290 

Hydro-sulphuric acid 271 

16.739 

" 50,000 grains of this water contain 115 735-1000 
grains of saline matter, consisting of — 

Sulphate of lime 67.168 

Sulphate of magnesia 30.364 

Chloride of magnesium 859 

Carbonate of lime 6.060 

Organic matter (dried at 212 F.) . 3-74° 

Carbonic acid 4-584 

Silicates (silica 1.34, potash .18, soda .66, magnesia, and a 
trace of oxid. iron) 2.960 

"5-735 
"Unlike saline sulphuretted waters generally, this 
water contains a minute proportion of chlorine only, 
the sulphates of lime and magnesia forming nearly ten- 
elevenths of the saline matter. 

"The alkaline bases are also in very small propor- 
tion, and seem to be united to the siliceous earths in 
combination with a peculiar organic matter. The 
organic matter, in its physical and chemical character, 
resembles that found in the water of the Red Sulphur 
Springs, and differs essentially from the organic matter 
of some thermal waters. 

"In ascertaining its weight, it was rendered dry at 



ANAL YSIS. 69 

the temperature of 212 F. When dry, it is a grayish- 
white, translucent solid. When recently separated 
from a fluid containing it, it appears as a thin jelly or 
mucilage, and gives to a large bulk of fluid a mucous- 
like appearance, with the property of frothing by agi- 
tation. It unites with metallic oxides and forms com- 
pounds both soluble and insoluble. In most cases an 
excess of base renders the compound insoluble. The 
compound with oxide of silver is soluble in water ; with 
baryta and lime it does not form a precipitate, while 
magnesia forms with it a hydrous white gelatinous 
mass. In acids it dissolves ; the oxy-acids do not 
change its composition, while they are diluted and 
cold ; by boiling they produce sulphuric acid from its 
constituent sulphur, and change its carbon to other 
forms. In contact with earthy sulphates at a moderate 
temperature, it produces hydrO-sulphuric acid, and to 
this source that acid contained in the water may be traced. 
This substance does not rapidly attract oxygen from 
the atmosphere, and from colored compounds, as some 
other organic compounds do. The proportion of 
organic matter, like that usually contained in our 
waters, is in this water very small; until forty-nine- 
fiftieths of the bulk of a quantity is evaporated, the 
residual matter does not become colored, and, when 
the saline residue is dried, it is of a pale yellow. 

" The medicinal properties of this water are probably 
due to the action of this organic substance. The hydro- 
sulphuric acid, resulting from its natural action, is one 
of the most active substances within the reach of phy- 
sicians, and there are chemical reasons for supposing 
that, after the water has readied the stomach, similar 
changes, accompanied by the product of hydro-sulphuric 
acid, take place. ' ' * 



» See chnp. vi., on " The Relative Virtues of the Saline and Gaseous 
Contents of the White Sulphur Water." 

7 



7 o WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Professor William B. Rogers also analyzed this water. 
The following is the result of his examinations : 

Solid matter, procured by evaporation from ioo 
cubic inches of the water, weighed, after being dried 
at 2i2°, 65.54 grains. 

Quantity of each solid ingredient in 100 cubic 
inches, estimated as perfectly free from water : 

Sulphate of lime 31.680 grains. 

Sulphate of magnesia 8.241 " 

Sulphate of soda 4.050 " 

Carbonate of lime I-53Q " 

Carbonate of magnesia 0.506 " 

Chloride of magnesium 0.071 " 

Chloride of calcium 0.010 " 

Chloride of sodium 0.226 " 

Proto-sulphate of iron 0.069 " 

Sulphate of alumina 0.012 " 

Earthy phosphates a trace. 

Azotized organic matter blended with a large pro- 
portion of sulphur, about 5 " 

Iodine, combined with sodium or magnesium. 

Volume of each of the gases in a free state, contained 
in 100 cubic inches:* 

Sulphuretted hydrogen 0.66 to 1.30 cubic inches. 

Nitrogen 1.88 cubic inches. 

Oxygen 0.19 

Carbonic acid 3.67 



* 100 cubic inches amounts to about 3^ pints. 



SALINE AND GASEOUS CONTENTS. 71 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE RELATIVE VIRTUES OF THE SALINE AND GASEOUS 
CONTENTS OF THE WHITE SULPHUR WATER. 

Speculation has existed as to the relative efficacy of 
the different component parts of the White Sulphur water 
in the cure of disease ; and while some have supposed 
that its gaseous contents are essential to its sanative vir- 
tues, others, and I think the best-informed observers, 
attribute its medicinal virtues mainly to its solid or 
saline contents. To the latter opinion the able Professor 
of Natural Philosophy in the University of Virginia, 
who has carefully examined the water, and other dis- 
tinguished chemists and physicians, decidedly incline. 

It certainly is a question of interest to the valetudi- 
narian, whether he should use this water fresh as it 
flows from the spring, abounding in all its stimulating 
gas, or whether he should use it after it has partially or 
entirely parted with this gas. To this subject I have 
devoted particular attention, having instituted, with 
care, various and diversified experiments, in order to 
establish something like definite and positive conclu- 
sions. 

Although the value of this water in what is usually 
termed its 11071- stimulating for 7ti, or, in other words, when 
deprived of its gas, has long been known to many who 
are familiar with its use, it was not until the last few 
years that it was commonly used from choice, after it had 
been long removed from the spring, or from any cause 
had parted with its gaseous contents ; and an opinion, 
the correctness of which had never been examined, 
prevailed in the minds of many, that in losing its gas 
it lost its strength and efficacy. 



72 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Having settled at the "White," as the physician of 
the place, it became alike my duty and my interest to 
investigate- the character and operations of its waters 
under every possible form and modification in which 
they could be presented. In the pursuit of this duty, 
I resolved to take no opinion upon "trust," but care- 
fully to examine and investigate for myself. A promi- 
nent question immediately presented itself for inquiry, 
involving the relative merits which the solid and gase- 
ous ingredients of the water possess as remedial agents. 
It would be tedious, and to many uninteresting, to 
detail the several steps and multiplied experiments 
which led me to conclusions upon the subject, satis- 
factory to my own mind, and upon which I have estab- 
lished certain practical principles in the use of the 
water, which have enabled me to prescribe it, especially 
for nervous and excitable patients, with far greater suc- 
cess than heretofore. It is sufficient for my purpose at 
present to state that, while I freely admit that the gas, 
which abounds in the water, is an active nervine stimu- 
lant, and therefore may be a most potent agent in some 
cases, we are, nevertheless, to look mainly to the solid 
contents of the water for its alterative power, as well as 
for its activity manifested through the emunctories of 
the body. 

Whether the efficacy of the solid contents be owing 
to the specific character of any one, or to all of the 
thirteen different salts of which it is composed, and 
which exist in the water in the most minute form of 
subdivision, and in this condition enter the circulation, 
and course through the whole system, applying them- 
selves to the diseased tissues ; or whether its efficacy, 
to some extent, depends upon the evolution of sulphu- 
retted hydrogen gas, after the water has reached the 
stomach, is a matter of curious inquiry. 

The distinguished chemist, Mr. Hayes, of Rox- 
bury, after having bestowed much pains in analyzing 
the water, and in studying its peculiar character, comes 



SALINE AND GASEOUS CONTENTS. 73 

to the following conclusions as to the source of its 
medicinal power. After describing, at considerable 
length, a certain matter which he found to abound in 
it, and which he terms "organic matter" in the course 
of which he says, "it differs essentially from the or- 
ganic matter of some thermal waters," he proceeds to 
say : "In contact with earthy sulphates, at a moderate 
temperature, it produces hydro-sulphuric acid, and to 
this source that acid contained in the water may be 
traced. This substance does not rapidly attract oxygen 
from the atmosphere, and from colored compounds, as 
some other organic compounds do ; the medicinal proper- 
ties of this water are probably due to the action of this 
organic substance. The hydro-sulphuric acid, resulting 
from its natural action, is one of the most active sub- 
stances within the reach of physicians. There are 
chemical reasons for supposing that, after the water has 
reached the stomach, similar changes, accompanied by the 
production of hydro-sulphuric acid, take place."* 

Before Mr. Hayes had communicated the above 
opinion, growing out of his chemical examinations, I 
had again and again been much interested with certain 
phenomena which I have termed the seco?idary fonna- 
tion of gas in the White Sulphur water. Instances had 
frequently been reported to me of the water having 
been put into bottles after it had lost its gas entirely, 
being void both of taste and smell, and yet, after these 
bottles were kept for some days in a warm situation, 
and then opened, the water appeared equally strong of 
the hydro-sulphuric acid, as it is found to be, fresh at 
the fountain. 

In a shipment of this water to Calcutta, some years 
since, the "Transporting Company" had the water 
bottled in Boston, from barrels that had been filled at 
the spring six months before. The water, although 
tasteless and inodorous, when put into the bottles at 

* See Hayes's Analysis, chap. v. 

7* 



74 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



Boston, was found, on its arrival at Calcutta, so 
strongly impregnated with the hydro-sulphuric acid as 
to render it necessary, under the direction of an in- 
telligent gentleman of Boston (who had witnessed 
this secondary formation of gas before), to uncork the 
bottles for some time before using, that the excess of 
gas might escape. 

I had, also, known that in the process of thawing 
sulphur water, which had been previously frozen, sul- 
phuretted hydrogen gas is evolved ; for although the 
ice has neither the taste nor smell of sulphur, a strong 
smell of sulphuretted hydrogen is manifest as the ice 
is returning to water. 

I had often observed that individuals, who drank the 
water entirely stale, and void alike of taste and smell, 
were as liable to have eructations of sulphuretted hy- 
drogen as those who drank it fresh at the fountain. 
These, and other facts connected with the peculiar 
operations and effects of the water when used in its 
ungaseous form, — operations and effects which it is not 
necessary here to refer to, but ail going to prove the 
secondary formation of gas under certain circumstances, 
— had, in my investigations of this water, interested 
me exceedingly; and, consequently, I was not a little 
pleased that Mr. Hayes's chemical examinations so 
fully sustained the opinions I had been led to enter- 
tain from my personal observation. 

This opinion of Mr. Hayes, in connection with the 
numerous proofs derived from analogy and observation, 
of the secondary formation of sulphuretted hydrogen 
gas in the water, would seem to be calculated to har- 
monize the opinion advanced by me of the equal 
efficacy of the water when deprived of its gas, with the 
sentiment entertained by some, that the hydrogen gas 
is essential to its sanative operations. 

The phenomenon of a secondary formatio?i of sul- 
phuretted hydrogen gas in mineral waters has not, 
that I am aware of, been noticed before ; it certainly 



SALINE AND GASEOUS CONTENTS. 



75 



has not been in relation to the White Sulphur, and we 
hope that medical gentlemen, generally, who may have 
occasion to use such waters, will direct attention to 
this singular fact. For myself I promise still further 
to investigate the subject, and may, at some subsequent 
period, lay the results of my investigations before the 
medical public. 

My investigations of the relative virtues of the gase- 
ous and saline contents of this water have satisfied me 
that the physician, in making up his judgment as to 
the best method of administering it in particular cases, 
may always properly moot the propriety of using it 
fresh as it flows from the spring, — deprived of its gas, — 
or with modified quantities. He should bear in mind 
that there are cases in which it is preferable that the 
water should be used stale, and that, by depriving it in 
whole or in part of its gas, he can graduate that 
amount of stimulus to the system, which it may de- 
mand, and this, in most cases, without lessening the 
actively operative or alterative effects of the water. 

For some patients, the White Sulphur, as it flows 
from the spring, is too stimulating, and hence, before 
the no n- stimulating method of using it was introduced, 
many such, patients left the spring, either without 
giving the water a trial, or actually rendered worse by 
its stimulating influence. This class of persons can 
now use the water, when deprived of its gas, not only 
with impunity, but often with the happiest results. 
Numerous cures, effected by its use in the last thirty 
years, have been in that class of patients by whom the 
water, fresh at the Spring, could not have been used 
without injury. 

In cases of nervous persons, and especially in those 
whose brain is prone to undue excitement, I have often 
found it necessary, either by freezing or heating the 
water, to throw off its gas completely, before it could 
be tolerated by the system ; and some of the happiest 
results I have ever witnessed from the use of the water 
have been achieved by it after being thus prepared. 



76 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

My object in prescribing White Sulphur has been to 
pursue a discriminating or pathological practice. I 
regard it as an active and potent medicine, and believe 
that, like all such medicines, it should be used with a 
wise reference to the nature of the case and the state 
of the system. I must not be understood as advancing 
the opinion, that this water is always to be preferred 
after the escape of its gas. I entertain no such opin- 
ion; on the contrary, for a large class of visitors, I 
think it preferable that they should avail themselves of 
the use of the water either at, or recently removed 
from, the fountain, and as it naturally abounds in its 
gases. There are other cases in which the exciting in- 
fluence of the gas can only be borne in a more limited 
degree, and, for such, I permit its partial escape before 
using it; while in a numerous class of cases (and es- 
pecially on first commencing the use of the water) I 
esteem it indispensable to its quick and beneficial 
operation, that its uncombined gas, which gives taste 
and smell, should have escaped. 

In recommending the White Sulphur, then, to the 
use of the invalid, I esteem it quite as necessary to in- 
vestigate the manner of using, as relates to its fresh or 
stale quality, as in reference to its dose, or the times 
of administering it ; and for neither would I lay down 
positive and absolute rules in advance ; for each case 
must, in the nature of things, give rules for its own 
government.* 

* It is now more than thirty years since the author first called public 
attention to the importance, indeed, the absolute necessity, in many 
cases, of the invalid's using this water in its ungaseous or least stimu- 
lating form. 

Like all innovations upon old opinions and customs, it met with its 
hasty objectors, at first, but actual experience was not long in estab- 
lishing the soundness and value of the recommendation, and now I • 
have the gratification to know that it is regarded by all well-informed 
persons as a fixed priticiple in the use of the water, that, to be used 
safely and most beneficially, in veiy many cases, it must be used with 
strict reference to its fresh or stale quality ; or, in other words, to its 
stimulating or non- stimulating effects. 



SALINE AND GASEOUS CONTENTS. 



77 



The great value of this water, as a therapeutical 
agent, to a large class of persons who visit the foun- 
tain, is a fact alike unquestioned and unquestionable. 
That in its natural condition, as it flows from the bosom 
of the earth, it is happily adapted to numerous cases 
of disease, is a truth established by upwards of eighty 
years' experience and fully sustained by the numerous 
cures that are constantly occurring. The value of the 
water, then, fresh as it flows from the spring, and 
abounding in its gas, is a truth, so far as I know, that 
is ztnassailed, and which, I believe, is unassailable. 
Nevertheless, that there are many cases in which the 
gas is not beneficial, in the ainount in which it exists 
in the fresh water, is a fact which my experience 
enables me to assert with the utmost confidence. That 
the water, in such cases, therefore, is better without its 
gas than with it, follows as effect follows cause. But I 
do not teach that the water, per se, and without refer- 
ence to cases, should always be preferred without its 
gas. I base not my practice upon any such narrow 
and exclusive views; nor do I deny the value of the 
agency of the gas in appropriate cases. 

I, then, regard the solid contents of the White Sul- 
phur water, either in its direct or indirect influences, 
as the main agency in its medicinal efficacy. Whether 
the efficacy of the salts of the water be owing to their 
absorption into the system as such, or whether it de- 
pends upon the secondary formation of hydro-sulphuric 
acid gas in the stomach, or whether it ought to be 
ascribed to the combination of these different agencies, 
I leave for others more fond of speculation to decide. 
I have, heretofore, been satisfied with the knowledge of 
the efficacy of the solid contents, without much theo- 
rizing to explain the why and wherefore. 

But, it may be asked, if the gas does good in the 
state of a secondary formation in the stomach, would 
not a larger quantity, taken with the fresh water, do 
more good ? I reply, that this by no means follows in 



7 8 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS 

that class of cases for which I specially advise the un- 
gaseous water; for my only objection to the fresh 
water, in such cases, is, that it has too much gas. Ad- 
mitting that the gas may exert an influence, I allege 
that in nervous and excitable cases the quantity is not 
only better adapted to the system, but that any given 
quantity, under a secondary formation, excites the sys- 
tem less, from its gradual formation in the stomach, 
than if suddenly received in volume into that viscus. 

Nor do I, because I recommend the ungaseous water 
in particular cases, repudiate and disallow all medicinal 
agency of the gas, as a general principle. Not at all. 
I simply contend that, for the treatment of certain cases, 
there is more of the stimulating gas in the fresh water 
than such cases can bear with advantage, and that its 
excessive excitation in such cases would be prejudicial 
instead of beneficial. 

But do I find it necessary to guard the amount of gas 
for every water-drinker ? or in effect to erect a bed of 
Procrustes and oblige every one to conform to its 
length? By no means. A. arrives at the springs, not 
much debilitated by disease, and with a firm nervous 
and muscular system ; there is no excessive excitability 
in his case, and neither his cerebral, nervous, nor vas- 
cular system is particularly prone to be affected by 
stimulants or exciting medicines. I advise him to 
use the water as it flows from the fountain, and if lie 
•should, contrary to expectation, find that it stimulates 
him unpleasantly, to set it by for a short time before 
using. 

B. calls for advice as to the manner of using the 
water ; his temperament, and the state of his cerebral, 
nervous, and vascular system, are the opposite of A.'s ; 
his physical energies have been prostrated by disease ; 
his nerves are unstrung, and, like his brain, prone to 
be painfully affected by stimulants or exciting medi- 
cines. He is advised to use the water after it has, 
either partially or entirely, parted with its gas ; that is, 



SALINE AND GASEOUS CONTENTS. 



79 



after it has been set by for twelve or eighteen hours, as 
the delicacy and excitability of his system demand. 

In cases of inflammation of the parenchytna of the 
brain, and in other highly excitable conditions of the 
cerebral or nervous system, I have the water more care- 
fully prepared, either by heating or freezing it. 

In graduating the amount of stimulus, or, if the 
gaseous theorist please, the amount of medical mate- 
rial, to the wants of the system, — in other words, vary- 
ing the prescription to suit the case, — am I departing from 
a scientific and approved system of practice ? What 
would be thought of the science of a medical man 
who invariably used either the same medicine, or the 
same dose of any medicine, without regard to the pecu- 
liarities or constitution of his patients? Just what 
ought to be thought of any one who would direct so 
potent an agent as White Sulphur water to be used 
alike in every variety of constitution and disease. 

A popular error, in relation to mineral waters, is that 
they exert a sort of mysterious influence on the system ; 
and that, as nature has elaborated them in the bowels 
of the earth, they are, therefore, formed in the best 
possible manner for the cure of disease. This opinion 
is not more reasonable than it would be to suppose that 
nature has formed antimony in the best possible form, 
for the cure of disease, although we know that in this 
form, under the administration of the celebrated Basil 
Valentine, it slew all the monks in his cloister. 

Like all other remedial agents, potent mineral waters 
produce certain effects upon the animal economy, and 
these effects will be beneficial or injurious, as the remedy 
is properly or improperly employed. For instance, 
C, who is nervous, delicate, and excitable, and is 
affected with functional derangement of the organs, 
requires to receive, for a certain time, the influence of 
a mineral water, which, while it acts as an aperient 
upon his bowels, enters his circulation, courses through 
his system, and alterates his deranged organs; being, 



80 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

at the same time, so bland and unstimulating in its 
general effects, as not to arouse any one or a series of 
organs into undue excitement and rebellion against the 
common good. Such a remedy is found in the stale 
and ungaseous White Sulphur water. 

D. requires the very same effects to be exerted upon 
his diseased organs, — but he is of very different tem- 
perament and constitution. His brain and nerves are 
prone to no unnatural excitement, and he is unaffected 
with the thousand physical sensibilities to which C. is 
subject. D. may take the White Sulphur water with 
impunity and advantage, in any manner most agreeable 
to him. In his case its exciting gas constitutes no 
objection to its use. The good effects of the water, 
so differently used by C. and D., will be the same, 
because the difference in their cases makes the difference 
in the use of the remedy. 



GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 81 



CHAPTER VII. 

GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE WHITE 
SULPHUR WATER. 

Directions meant to be General, not Specific — Must not generally 
look to the Sensible Operations of the Water for its Best Effects — 
Moderate or Small Quantities Generally Preferable — Necessary 
Preparations of the System for the Use of the Water — Sensible 
Medicinal Effects of the Water — Effects on the Pulse — Synopsis of 
Rules to be Observed — Use of Baths. 

Much that might have been said under this head 
has been anticipated in the chapter on " Mineral Waters 
in General." 

It is scarcely necessary to remark, after all that has 
heretofore been said of the necessity of using Mineral 
Waters with strict reference to the nature of the disease 
in which they are employed, that it is not designed that 
the directions herein given shall be considered suffi- 
cient to guide in the use of the White Sulphur in all 
cases, or in any difficult and important case, to the 
exclusion of the more minute and specific directions 
which such case may demand. It is my intention 
rather to indicate the general rules which ordinarily 
must be observed in its administration, than to lay 
down definite directions which shall apply to all cases. 

Every one who is familiar with the various types of 
disease, and with the peculiarities and radical difference 
in different constitutions and temperaments, modifying 
and influencing diseased action, will at once see the 
impossibility of laying down any absolute rule, for the 
use of a potent mineral water, that should be strictly 
adhered to in all cases. Each case, to a certain extent, 

8 



82 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

must, with this, as with all other medicinal agents, 
indicate the proper dose, and the proper manner of 
administration. 

As has been already remarked, it is very common to 
attribute the beneficial effects of mineral waters to their 
immediate sensible and obvious effects upon the human 
body. I have shown this opinion to be erroneous; 
that, so far from its being true that such waters uni- 
formly manifest their beneficial effects by their active 
operations, such operations frequently delay, or entirely 
prevent, the good which they otherwise would have 
accomplished through the medium of their alterative 
effects. 

Those who desire to obtain the alterative operations 
of the water must, as a general rule, take it in small 
quantities, and continue its use for such length of time 
as will be sufficient, in common Spring parlance, to 
" saturate the system." Patients thus using the water 
are apt, however, to become restless and dissatisfied for 
the first few days ; so much so, that it is often difficult 
to reconcile them to this manner of administration ; 
because, say they, "it is doing me no good;" they 
wish to see such tokens of activity as are given by 
prompt and vigorous purgation. In a general way, it 
is preferable that the water act sufficiently on the 
bowels, even when given in reference to its alterative 
effects, to obviate the necessity of giving any other 
medicine for that purpose ; but it is often better to use 
some mild purgative from the shops, to effect this 
object for the first few days, than that the quantity of 
water should be greatly increased. 

I desire, especially, to call the attention of physicians, 
and of the intelligent public generally, to this distinctive 
alterative quality of the water. In this, more than any- 
thing else, it differs from other mineral waters. Many 
other waters are found to possess valuable alterative 
power, and with an equal or greater cathartic or diu- 
retic action, but none have yet been shown to be so 



GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 83 

certainly, promptly, and powerfully alterative upon the 
human system. 

Some of my unprofessional readers may desire to 
know the precise meaning that is attached to the term 
Alterative, in a medical sense. This term simply 
means to alter ox change; that is, to alter or change the 
chemical composition of the blood, the secretions of 
the glands, and the various secretory organs and sur- 
faces, the removal of obstructions from the glands or 
minute vessels which occur in congestions, irritations, 
and inflammations ; thus restoring the blood and the 
general organism to their natural condition and to the 
performance of their natural functions. 

I claim that the water has these effects by being 
absorbed, or, in other words, entering into the great 
circuit of the circulation, and thus exercising the 
specific or peculiar action of its constituents in pro- 
moting the various secretory and excretory processes, 
and thereby restoring the diseased system to a physio- 
logical condition. 

Such effects and changes, wrought in the sick body, 
are obviously an alteration, and the remedy that pro- 
duces them is an alterative. 

This is but a part of a medicinal alterative ; but it 
conveys a sufficient idea of its nature. 

The opinion is as common as it is erroneous, among 
those who visit mineral waters, that they are to be 
benefited in proportion to the quantity they drink. 
Persons in health, or not debilitated by disease, do 
sometimes indulge in enormously large and long- 
continued potations of such waters, with apparent im- 
punity; but it by no means follows that those whose 
stomachs are enervated by disease, and whose general 
health is much enfeebled, can indulge the habit with 
equal safety. In such stomachs the effects of inordi- 
nate distention are always painful and injurious, while 
the sudden diminution of the temperature, from large 
quantities of cold fluid suddenly thrown into the sys- 
tem, can scarcely fail to prove injurious. 



84 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

I sometimes meet with another class of visitors, who 
err just as much on the opposite extreme ; they arrive 
at the springs, and place themselves under the govern- 
ment of a recipe for the use of the water, drawn up, 
most commonly, by some distant medical adviser, who 
has never himself had an opportunity of observing its 
effects ; and such not unfrequently take this aqua medi- 
cinalis in literally homoeopathic doses ; — in quantities 
altogether insufficient to produce any sanative effect. 

PREPARATION FOR THE USE OF THE WATER. 

Some preparation of the system, preceding the use 
of the water, is often, though not always, necessary for 
its safe and advantageous administration. Most per- 
sons, after the excitement usual to the travel in visiting 
the springs, will be profited by taking some gentle 
purgative, and by the use of a light and cooling diet 
for a day or two before the water is freely used. Those 
in feeble health should commence the water with 
caution, and generally in its least stimulating form, — 
that is, after it has remained in an open vessel until its 
gas has escaped. If, with these precautions, it fail to 
exert its desired effects, or produce unpleasant symp- 
toms, the medical adviser, to whom it would be neces- 
sary to resort in such an emergency, would, of course, 
prescribe according to circumstances; nor can any 
general rule be given as respects the treatment that 
would be necessary in such a case, — one patient often 
requiring treatment essentially different from another. 

Invalids, however, ought not to despair of the use of 
the water, and of its adaptation to their cases, simply 
because it may, at first, or even in the progress of its 
use, display some vagrant and improper action upon 
the system. Errors in its action, If they may so be 
termed, generally arise from errors hi its use, and may 
generally be prevented by a change in the method of 
administration, or by some medical assistants, so that 
the water may be safely continued. 



GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 85 



SENSIBLE EFFECTS OF THE WATER ON THE SYSTEM. 

The sensible medicinal effects of the water are promi- 
nently displayed in its action upon the bowels, liver, 
kidneys, and skin, and, when drunk fresh at the foun- 
tain, by a lively stimulant effect upon the system in 
general, and upon the brain in particular. 

Proper quantities, taken in the morning before break- 
fast, will often exert some cathartic effect in the course 
of the day. The liver is, in most instances, brought 
under its influence from a few days' perseverance in 
the use of it, as will be manifest from the character of 
the excretions. Its action upon the kidneys is readily 
induced, and we occasionally see it exerting, at the 
same time, both a diuretic and a cathartic operation. 
Very commonly the exhalant vessels of the skin are 
stimulated to increased perspiration ; but its full effects 
upon the surface, manifested not only by increased, but 
sulphurous perspiration, do not occur until it has been 
freely used for several weeks, nor until the secretory 
system generally has been brought under its influence. 

In reference to its cathartic effects, I remark, that 
while as a general rule it gently opens the bowels, and 
in some cases purges freely, we meet with occasional 
cases in which its effects are distinctly constipative 
from the first. In other cases I have known it to purge 
gently for the first few days and afterwards to produce 
constipation. 

As the system is brought under the influence of the 
water, the appetite and the ability to digest food are 
sensibly augmented. The spirits become buoyant and 
cheerful, with increased desire for social company and 
amusements. 

Exercise, previously irksome, is now enjoyed without 
fatigue, and so great is the change in the whole man, 
that the patient often expresses his appreciation of it by 
declaring that he is "a new man," — and so he is, in 
reference to his physical and social feelings. 
8* 



86 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



EFFECTS ON THE PULSE. 

The effect of the water upon the pulse ought to be 
distinctly noted, inasmuch as its action upon the circu- 
latory system affords one of the best indications of its 
adaptation, or inadaptation, to the case. 

As a general rule it will be found that, after the water 
has been properly used for a sufficient time to affect the 
circulation, by those to whose cases it is well adapted, 
and the frequency of whose pulse is much above the 
natural standard, the pulse will be reduced in frequency 
and in force. This reduction of the pulse is not the 
consequence of any direct sedative action of the water 
on the heart and arteries, but is the sanative result of 
its alterative and calming influences upon the general 
economy; and especially from its agency in stimu- 
lating glandular secretions, emulging the emunctories, 
removing offensive debris that oppress the circulatory 
organs and functions, thus giving a clear and unem- 
barrassed course to the great circuit of the fluids 
through the system, as well the chyle and lymph as the 
venous and arterial blood. 

A common consequence from the proper adminis- 
tration of the water, in cases to which it is well suited, 
is an essential modification of the circulation both in 
frequency and force; so much so, indeed, that I am 
never surprised to find the pulse, whose beat has been 
from 90 to 120 in the minute, reduced to 75 or 80, 
and, in many cases, quite down to the natural standard 
of the individual, whatever that may have been ; while 
the volume of blood in the artery is increased, as well 
as the softness and mildness of its flow. 

Experience has so clearly taught me to rely upon the 
reduction of the frequency and force of the pulse, as 
indicative of the value of the water to the patient, that 
I habitually look to such effects as among the most dis- 
tinct indications to persevere in its use. 



GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 



87 



On the contrary, if the effects of the water be to in- 
crease the number of pulsations, or in any considerable 
degree to render the circulation more irritable, my in- 
ferences are unfavorable to its use ; and if this state of 
things cannot be readily changed by a different admin- 
istration of the water, its discontinuance is advised, for 
it never proves beneficial when it perseveringly excites the 
frequency of the circulation. There may be a condition 
of things in the case that would not justify a hasty dis- 
continuance of the water, merely because of its prone- 
ness to stimulate, in a slight degree, the heart and 
arteries; but the propriety of continuing its use, in any 
such case, can only be safely judged of by the well- 
informed and discriminating medical mind. 

SYNOPSIS OF FACTS ILLUSTRATING THE MEDICI- 
NAL CHARACTER OF THE WATER, ETC. 

The following facts, intended to illustrate the pecu- 
liar medicinal character and influences of the White 
Sulphur water, as well as the best manner of using it in 
ordinary cases, have been alluded to in other parts of 
this volume ; nevertheless (although it may involve a 
repetition), it is thought best to group them under 
one general head, for the greater convenience of the 
reader. 

Severally, and collectively, they are positions of great 
importance to the invalid, and long experience enables 
me to regard them in the light of aphorisms, or fixed 
facts. 

1. The water is always more stimulant, and generally 
less purgative, when taken fresh at the spring and 
abounding in its gas. 

2. The alterative, or changing, effects of the water 
are by far its most valuable effects, and are those which, 
more than all others, give to it its distinctive and effect- 
ive character. 

3. If the water produces active purgative or diuretic 
effects, its alterative action is correspondingly delayed. 



88 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

4. In obstinate and important cases, the invalid 
should never consider that he has given the water a fair 
trial, or that he has obtained its full curative effects, 
until he has experienced its general alterative influences, 
and maintained them upon the system for some time, 
and this entirely irrespective of the time he may have used 
the water. 

5. As it is uniformly true that the water is seldom 
permanently serviceable, when it acts as an irritant 
upon any portion of the body, it follows that its use 
should not be persevered in when, for any considerable 
time, it continues thus to act. It may, however, aT- 
most invariably be made to act kindly and soothingly, 
by a modification of the manner of using it, or by such 
gentle medicinal appliances as the peculiarity of the 
case may demand. 

6. From an improper use of the water, or from fail- 
ure to use a timely dose of medicine, to bring the 
system into a proper condition to receive it, it occa- 
sionally disagrees with persons (to whose constitution 
and case it is well adapted), until the errors, whatever 
they may be, have been corrected. 

7. An active and long-continued diuretic effect is 
generally useless, and frequently hurtful, and hence, 
when in much excess, should be arrested. This may 
be effected with the utmost certainty by a modification 
in the quantity, or periods of using the water, and by 
gentle medical means that divert from the kidneys and 
determine to the liver and skin. 

8. As to the amount of water to be used in the course 
of the day, or as to the number of days it should be 
used, it is impossible to lay down a definite rule to apply 
in all cases. So much depends upon the nature of the 
case, and the peculiarities of the constitution of the 
patient, that no fixed rule in these particulars can be 
laid down as applicable to all cases, and an attempt to 
do so would be an act of empiricism more apt to mis- 
lead than to edify. 



GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 89 



USE OF BATHS. 



A most valuable aid in the use of this water is the 
tepid, warm, or hot sulphur bath. I cannot here enter 
into particular directions for the use of such baths. I 
just observe that they may be made an important aux- 
iliary in a large circle of cases, if timely and otherwise 
properly employed. 

Hot sulphur bathing, indeed hot bathing of any kind, 
is a remedy potent and positive in its influences; — 
capable of effecting much good when judiciously em- 
ployed, or corresponding evil when improperly used. 
Like potent mineral waters, it is often used empirically 
and improperly, and hence becomes a curse when it 
should have been a blessing. It is a remedy essen- 
tially revolutionary in its character, — never negative, 
but always producing positive results upon the economy, 
for good or for evil. 

The condition of the system indicates with sufficient 
clearness, to the experienced observer, the time for 
commencing, and the temperature of the bath. In 
most cases, the bathing-point is as clearly indicated 
under a course of sulphur waters as the blistering- or 
bleeding-point is in inflammations, and the value of 
the bath is much dependent upon such timely employ- 
ment. When the water has well opened the bowels, — 
has found its way into the general circulation, soften- 
ing the skin and calming the irritation of the arterial 
system, — the baths may be looked to with confidence in 
their efficacy. 

Hot baths ought never to be taken during the exist- 
ence of febrile excitement. They should be used on an 
empty stomach, and, as a general rule, before the de- 
cline of the day, and their temperature always carefully 
regulated to suit the nature of the case and the state 
of the system. 

Persons intending to bathe in warm or hot sulphur 



9o 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



waters should, previously to doing so, be intelligently- 
instructed under a proper knowledge of their case, 
as to the precise temperature of the bath, and the 
length of time to remain in it. Neglect or disre- 
gard of proper instructions, the relying upon chance, 
or the mere dictum of ignorance upon this subject, 
has often been the cause, within my knowledge, 
of aggravation of symptoms, and, in many instances, 
of serious consequences. I state, therefore, for the 
benefit of bathers in sulphur waters, that such baths, 
to be used safely and efficaciously, must be used with 
careful reference to their temperature ; the state of the 
system when employed; and the length of time the bather 
remains in them. 



DISEASES— DIRE CTIONS. g i 



CHAPTER VIII. 

DISEASES IN WHICH THE WHITE SULPHUR MAY, OR 
MAY NOT, BE USEFULLY PRESCRIBED. 

Dyspepsia — Gastralgia — Water-Brash — Chronic Gastro Enteritis — 
Diseases of the Liver — Jaundice — Enlargement of the Spleen — 
Chronic Irritation of the Bowels — Costiveness — Piles — Diseases of 
the Urinary Organs — Chronic Inflammation of the Kidneys — Dia- 
betes — Female Diseases : Amenorrhoea, Dysmenorrhcea, Chlorosis, 
Leucorrhcea — Chronic Affections of the Brain — Nervous Diseases — 
Paralysis — Some Forms of Chronic Diseases of the Chest, or Breast 
Complaints (to be avoided in Pulmonary Consumption) — Bron- 
chitis — Chronic Diseases of the Skin, Psoriasis, Lepra, Ill-condi- 
tioned Ulcers — Rheumatism and Gout — Dropsies — Scrofula — Mer- 
curial Diseases — Erysipelas — Not to be used in Diseases of the 
Heart, or in Scirrhus and Cancer — Chalybeate Spring — Effects in 
Inebriation — Effects upon the Opium-Eaters. 

All mineral waters, as before remarked, are stimu- 
lants to a greater or less degree, and consequently are 
inapplicable to the treatment of acute or highly in- 
flammatory diseases. This remark is especially true as 
relates to the White Sulphur, particularly when drunk 
fresh at the spring, and abounding in its stimulating 
gas. It is true, as before shown, that when its exciting 
gas has flown off, it becomes far less stimulating, and 
may be used with safety and success in cases to which, 
in its perfectly fresh state, it would be totally un- 
adapted. But even in its least stimulating form, it is 
inadmissible for excited or febrile conditions of the sys- 
tem; and especially to cases of inflammatory action, — 
at least, until the violence of such action has been sub- 
dued by other and appropriate agents. 

If the individual, about to submit himself to the use 
of this water, is suffering from fullness and tension 
about the head, or pain with a sense of tightness in the 



9 2 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

chest or side, he should obtain relief from these symp- 
toms before entering upon its use. If his tongue be 
white or heavily coated, or if he be continuously or 
periodically feverish, or have that peculiar lassitude, 
with gastric distress, manifesting recent or acute biliary 
accumulations, he should avoid its use until, by proper 
medical treatment, his biliary organs are emulged, and 
his system prepared for its reception. Much suffering, 
on the one hand, would be avoided, and a far larger 
amount of good, on the other, would be achieved, ii 
visitors were perfectly aware of, and carefully mindful 
of, these facts. 

It is an every-day occurrence during the watering 
season at the "White," for persons to seek medical 
advice, for the first time, after they have been using 
the water for days, perhaps for weeks, and it is then 
sought because of vagrant operations or injurious effects 
of the water. In most such cases there will be found, 
upon examination, either the existence of some of the 
symptoms just mentioned, or evidences of local inflam- 
mation in some part of the body, sufficient to prevent 
the constitutional efficacy of the remedy. I am often 
struck with the control which an apparently inconsid- 
erable local inflammation will exert, in preventing the 
constitutional effects of mineral waters. To remove 
such local determinations where they exist, or greatly 
to lessen their activity, is all-important to secure the 
constitutional effects of sulphur water. 

It is necessary to reflect that mineral waters, like all 
medicinal substances, are adapted only to certain dis- 
eases, and that the more powerfully they act, the greater 
mischief they are capable of doing if improperly ad- 
ministered ; for, if it be asserted that they are capable of 
doing good only, without the power of doing harm, we 
may be satisfied that their qualities are too insignificant to 
merit notice. 

This consideration indicates the necessity of some 
caution in the use' of waters which possess any sanative 



DISEASES— REMEDIES. 



93 



powers, and suggests the propriety, in all doubtful cases, 
of proceeding under the judgment of some professional 
man who is familiar with the subject, whose judgment 
may determine how far the water is applicable to each 
individual case, and in what manner it should be em- 
ployed to be most efficacious. 

A long list of successful cases that have fallen under 
my care during the third of a century that I have been 
administering these waters, might perhaps without im- 
propriety be inserted here ; but I am induced to omit 
the insertion, because I am aware with what suspicion 
medical cases, however well authenticated, are received 
when they are given to favor any particular practice, 
or to recommend any particular water. Besides, the 
insertion of names is objectionable in all private prac- 
tice, and I consider the reputation of this particular 
water to be now too well established to require such 
assistance. 

The space I have allotted to this branch of my sub- 
ject will allow little more than a simple enumeration 
of the diseases for which this water is beneficially em- 
ployed. Those who desire more extended information 
of its effects in the diseases enumerated are referred 
to my volume upon the "Mineral Waters of the United 
States and Canada." 

DYSPEPSIA. 

This common and annoying disease, the especial 
scourge of the sedentary and the thoughtful, whether 
existing under the form of irritation of the mucous 
surface of the stomach — vitiation of the gastric juice — 
or under the somewhat anomalous characteristic of 
Gastralgia, is treated with much success by a proper 
course of the White Sulphur water. 

The apprehensive and dejected spirit that finds no 
comfort in the present, and forebodes evil only in the 
future; the hesitating will that matures no purpose, 

9 



94 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

and desponds even in success; the emaciation of frame 
and haggardness Of visage ; the ever-present indurance, 
and all the imaginary and real ills that torture the hap- 
less dyspeptic, are often made to yield to alterative 
and invigorating influences that a few weeks' judicious 
use of the waters has established. 

Administered alone, in every form of this disease 
(for under the name Dyspepsia we have several forms 
of stomach disease essentially differing from each other, 
and requiring different modes of treatment), its cura- 
tive powers may not always be so marked; but in 
several varieties of the disease, and those indeed which 
we most often witness, it deserves the very highest 
praise that can be conferred upon any remedy. In 
cases of this disease in which the Liver is implicated, 
occasioning slow or unhealthy biliary secretions, a 
state of things that often exists, the water may be used 
with especial advantage. To effect permanent or last- 
ing cures in dyspepsia, the waters should always be 
pressed to their complete alterative effects upon the 
system. 

CHRONIC IRRITATION OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE OF 
THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 

The largest class of invalids that resort to our min- 
eral fountains for relief are those afflicted with ab- 
dominal irritations, and especially with irritations of the 
mucous coat of the stomach and bowels. 

These irritations are occasionally so masked by a 
superadded nervous mobility as to conceal their true 
character from the sufferer, and sometimes from his 
medical adviser. The disease is far more common in 
late than in former years. The number of cases at 
the White Sulphur has been, I am sure, more than 
triplicated within the last few years. It may be in- 
duced by any of the numerous causes whose tendency 
is to derange the digestive, assimilative, and nervous 



DISEASES— REMEDIES. 95 

functions ; and is often connected with some indiges- 
tion, irregular or costive bowels, with restlessness and 
unhappy forebodings of impending evils. I have much 
confidence in the waters in such cases when prudently 
and cautiously used, aided, if necessary, by proper 
adjunctive means, and pressed to their full alterative 
effects. 

LIVER DISEASES. 

Chronic disease of the liver, in some form or other, 
is a very common disease of our country, especially 
in the warm latitudes and miasmatic districts. Very 
many affected with this complaint have annually visited 
the White Sulphur for the last fifty or sixty years. In 
no class of cases have the effects of the waters been 
more fully and satisfactorily tested than in chronic 
derangements of the liver. 

The modus operandi of sulphur water upon the liver 
is dissimilar to that of mercury, and yet the effects of 
the two agents are strikingly analogous. The potent 
and controlling influence of the water over the secre- 
tory function of the liver must be regarded as a specific 
quality of the agent, and as constituting an important 
therapeutic feature in the value of the article for dis- 
eases of this organ. Its influence upon the liver is 
gradually but surely to unload it when engorged, and 
to stimulate it to a healthy performance of its func- 
tions when torpid. 

The control which this water may be made to exer- 
cise over the liver in correcting and restoring its 
energies, is often as astonishing as it is gratifying, — 
establishing a copious flow of healthy bile, and a con- 
sequent activity of the bowels, imparting a vigor to 
the whole digestive and assimilative functions, and, 
consequently, energy and strength to the body, and 
life and elasticity to the spirits. 

For many years I have kept a "Case-book" at the 
White Sulphur, and have carefully noted the influences 



96 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

of the water upon such cases as have been submitted 
to my management. Among the number are several 
hundred cases of chronic affections of the liver, em- 
bracing diseases of simple excitement, chronic inflamma- 
tion, e?igorgement and obstructions of the biliary ducts, 
etc. These cases were treated either with the White 
Sulphur alone, or aided by some appropriate adjunctive 
remedy; and, in looking at the results, I must be per- 
mitted to express a doubt whether a larger relative 
amount of amendments and cures has ever been ef- 
fected by the usual remedies of the medical shop. 
This I know is high eulogy of the water in such dis- 
eases. It is considerately made, and is not higher 
than its merits justify. 

When Scirrhosity of the liver is suspected, the water, 
if used at all, should be used under the guards of a 
well-informed medical judgment ; for in actual Scir- 
rhosity, if it be pressed beyond its primary effects upon 
the stomach and bowels, it is very decidedly injurious. 
I have known several cases in which death was hastened 
by disregarding this caution. 

For a more full account of the influences of the 
water in Liver diseases, the reader is referred to the 
author's work on the " Mineral Springs of the United 
States and Canada." 



JAUNDICE. 

This is a form of liver disease in which obstructions 
prevent the free egress of the bile from the gall-blad- 
der along its natural channels, and hence occasion its 
absorption into the general circulation. 

In cases of jaundice, in which the obstructing cause 
is inspissated bile, or very small calculi, or when oc- 
casioned by inflammation or spasm of the gall-ducts 
themselves, the White Sulphur water, as might be ex- 
pected from its influence over the liver, is used with 
the happiest results. 



DISEA SES— REMEDIES. 



97 



Indeed, the individuals affected with incipient or 
confirmed jaundice, and whose livers are free from 
Scirrhus, cannot place too much confidence in the 
use of the White Sulphur water and baths, with the 
occasional use of mild adjunctive means to aid in its 
speedy action upon the liver and skin. Thus judi- 
ciously employed, and for a sufficient length of time, 
it invariably proves successful, either in curing the 
case, or in bringing the system into the condition 
under which a cure speedily results. 

CHRONIC DIARRHCEA. 

In Chronic Diarrhoea, especially where the mucous 
coat of the bowels is principally implicated, and still 
more when the case is complicated with derangement 
of the stomach and liver, the water is often employed 
with very gratifying effects. 

While the water, properly taken, is a most invalu- 
able remedy in Chronic Mucous Diarrhoea, in no other 
disease are prudence and caution more eminently de- 
manded in its administration, and especially for the 
few first days of using it. When prudently and cau- 
tiously prescribed in such cases, it is not only a per- 
fectly safe remedy, but also eminently curative in its 
effects. Many of the most satisfactory results that I 
have ever accomplished by the prescription of the 
White Sulphur water, have been in cases of Chronic 
Mucous Diarrhoea. 

Serous Diarrhcea of chronic character requires still 
greater caution in the early vise of the water than the 
mucous form to which I have been referring ; and 
while the waters, when carefully introduced, constitute 
a valuable remedy in such cases, they will, if too largely 
taken, aggravate the worst symptoms of the disease.* 



* See the details of several interesting cases in the " Mineral Waters 
of the United States and Canada." 

9* 



98 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



C0ST1VENESS. 

Habitual costiveness is a state of the system in which 
the water has been extensively employed ; sometimes 
successfully, sometimes not. When the case depends 
upon depraved or deficient biliary secretions, much 
reliance may be placed upon the efficiency of this 
remedy if it be carried to the extent of fully alterating 
the system. 

PILES. 

The use of mild laxatives in hemorrhoids has long 
been a favorite practice for their relief. The beneficial 
effect of the water in this disease is probably to some 
extent due to its laxative power, but still more, I appre- 
hend, to its alterative effect upon the liver, through 
which the hemorrhoidal vessels are favorably im- 
pressed. 

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 

The White Sulphur waters are used with very good 
effects in Gravel ; indeed, they almost invariably pal- 
liate such cases, and frequently, in their early stages, 
entirely cure them. 

Incipient calculous affections are relieved by the water 
pretty much in proportion as it corrects the digestive 
and assimilating functions, improves the blood, and 
brings the general economy into a natural type, pre- 
paring the kidneys to resist foreign encroachments 
upon their functions, and to elaborate from healthy 
blood proper and healthy secretions. Where the affec- 
tion depends upon acid predominance in the fluids, 
the water never fails to palliate, and often cures the 
case. Whether or not this water should be preferred 
to other remedies in calculous affections, depends upon 
the diathesis that prevails in the system ; and hence 
the urine should always be carefully analyzed, that we 
may not act in the dark in such cases. 



DISEASES— REMEDIES. 



99 



Chronic inflammation of the kidneys, as well as simi- 
lar affections of the bladder and urethra, are often 
successfully treated by a judicious use of the waters. I 
have treated numerous cases of Catarrh of the bladder 
successfully by a proper use of the water, and other 
appropriate remedies in connection with it, always 
regarding the water, however, as the leading remedy 
in the case. 

Diabetes is a form of disease in which the waters 
have occasionally been used with excellent effect. 

Spermatorrhoea, often painfully implicating the nerv- 
ous system, and producing extreme debility not only 
of the sexual organs but also of the general system, is 
often greatly benefited at these springs. 

This disease is generally found complicated with a 
condition of the skin and glandular organs, and not 
unfrequently of the mucous surfaces, that eminently 
requires the aid of alterative remedies. In all such com- 
plications the waters are found very valuable as a 
primary means, preceding and preparing the system 
for the use of more decided tonic remedies. 

FEMALE DISEASES. 

In female diseases, in their various chronic forms of 
amenorrhoza, or suppressed menstruation, dysmenor- 
rhcea, or painful menstruation, chlorosis, and leucorrhoza, 
the waters of the White Sulphur have been much em- 
ployed. When the cases have been judiciously dis- 
criminated and were free from the combinations and 
states of the system that contra-indicate the use of the 
waters, they have been employed with beneficial re- 
sults. 

CHRONIC AFFECTIONS OF THE BRAIN. 

It is only since the introduction of the custom of 
using the water in its ungaseous form (thirty-five years 
ago) that it has been taken successfully, or even toler- 
ated by the system, in chronic inflammation of the 



ioo WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

brain. I need, therefore, scarcely apprise my readers 
that it is only in its strictly ungaseous form that it 
should be used in such cases, and then in a careful and 
guarded manner. Thus prescribed, I have, in several 
instances, found it beneficial. 

NERVOUS DISEASES. 

Neuralgia, in some form or other, has become a very 
common disease in every part of our country ; and the 
number that visit the White Sulphur suffering with this 
protean and painful malady is very considerable. 

Sometimes this disease exists as a primary or inde- 
pendent affection, but far more frequently as a conse- 
quence of visceral or organic derangements. Where 
such is found to be the case, the White Sulphur waters 
are used with the very best results. As an alterative, 
to prepare the neuralgic for receiving the more tonic 
waters to advantage, it deserves the largest confidence 
by those afflicted with this annoying malady. 

PARALYSIS. 

The number of paralytics that resort to the White 
Sulphur is large, and their success in the use of the 
waters various. Cases resulting from dyspeptic de- 
pravities are oftener benefited than those that have 
resulted from other causes. In almost every case, 
however, some benefit to the general health takes place, 
and sometimes an abatement of the paralysis itself. 

BREAST COMPLAINTS. 

In tubercular consumption, whether the tubercles be 
incipient or fully developed, the White Sulphur water 
should not be used. Its effects in such cases would be 
prejudicial. 

But there are other forms of breast complai?its in 
which the waters have been, found valuable, particu- 
larly in that form described as 



DISEA SES— REMEDIES. i o I 



SYMPATHETIC CONSUMPTION.* 

This form of breast complaint is the result of morbid 
sympathies extended from some other parts of the body, 
and more commonly from a diseased stomach or liver. 
The greater vagum nerve, common to both the stomach 
and lungs, affords a ready medium of sympathy between 
these two organs. In protracted cases of dyspepsia, 
the stomach often throws out morbid influences to the 
windpipe and surfaces of the lungs, occasioning cough, 
expectoration, pain in the breast, and many other usual 
symptoms of genuine consumption. So completely, 
indeed, does this translated affection wear the livery of 
the genuine disease, that it is often mistaken for it. 

This form of disease comes often under my notice at 
the Springs, and I frequently witness the happiest re- 
sults from the employment of the water in such cases ; 
and the more so, because its beneficial effects resolve a 
painful doubt that often exists in the mind of the 
patient as to the true character of the disease. 

BRONCHITIS. 

This affection is often met with at the Springs, some- 
times as a primary affection of the bronchi, and often 
as a result of other affections, and especially of de- 
rangements of the digestive and assimilative organs. 
In such translated cases, we frequently find the bron- 
chitis relieved in the same degree that the originally 
diseased organs are benefited. 

CHRONIC DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

The various chronic diseases of the skin are treated 
with much success by a full course of the White Sulphur 
waters in connection with a liberal course of warm or 
hot sulphur baths. 

* For fuller information on this subject, see "Mineral Waters of 
the United States and Canada," by the author. 



102 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

There is a chronic form of erysipelas, occurring at 
irregular intervals, and most commonly attacking the 
face or the extremities, that I have treated with very 
good success by the White Sulphur water. 

RHEUMATISM AND GOUT. 

The rheumatic and the gouty are habitues of the White 
Sulphur. The well-established reputation of the waters 
in such cases attracts no small number of persons 
laboring under one or the other of these affections. 

The primitive reputation of the water, and that 
which at an early day directed public attention to its 
potency, was derived from its successful employment 
in rheumatism. The reputation thus early acquired 
has not been lost, but, on the contrary, established and 
confirmed by its successful use for three-quarters of 
a century. 

In most rheumatic cases, the employment of warm 
or hot sulphur baths constitutes a very valuable adjunct 
in their treatment. 

With the sulphur water as a drink, and the use of the 
hot tub douche and sweating baths of the same water, 
this place offers the strongest inducements for the resort 
of persons afflicted with chronic rheumatism that can 
anywhere be found. 

In proportion as the waters impress the digestive 
and assimilative organs, they benefit gout. As palliative 
in this disease, they are always employed with benefit. 

CHRONIC POISONING FROM LEAD 

Is very advantageously treated by a full course of the 
water and baths. Used with sufficient persistency, they 
may well be regarded as the most reliable remedy to 
which persons thus afflicted can have recourse, and to 
such I earnestly recommend a trial of them, the more 
especially, because the ordinary remedies in such cases 
are admittedly very unreliable. 



DISEASES— REMEDIES. 



SCROFULA. 



103 



Sulphur waters have long been held in reputation in 
the treatment of scrofula. Some of the English phy- 
sicians have thought such waters superior to any other 
remedy in scrofula. Dr. Salisbury, of Avon, New 
York, speaks favorably of his experience of their use 
in such diseases. In the early stages of scrofula the 
White Sulphur has often been used with decided ad- 
vantages, but in the confirmed stages of this disease I 
do not consider them at all equal in curative powers to 
some other mineral waters in this region. 

MERCURIAL DISEASE AND SECONDARY SYMPTOMS OF 
LUES. 

In that enfeebled, susceptible, and very peculiar con- 
dition of the system, often found to exist as the result 
of a long-continued or injudicious use of mercury, and 
in what is commonly known as the secondary form of 
Lues, the White Sulphur water, when carried to its full 
alterative effects, displays its highest curative powers. 
After long experience of the use of the waters in the 
peculiar forms of disease under consideration, I have 
no hesitation in saying, that if called upon to designate 
the particular affection or state of the system in which 
the White Sulphur water is most certainly efficacious, 
I would not hesitate to name mercurial diseases and 
Secondary Syphilis ; because the water in such cases 
exerts a specific agency, and more certainly brings 
relief to the sufferer than any other known remedy. 
This is strong praise of the remedy in these diseases, 
and nothing but long and successful experience of its 
value in such cases could induce me to award it. 

I have no hesitation in saying to those who are so 
unfortunate as to be subjects of the diseases embraced 
under this head, that they have in these waters, when 
properly and fully used, in connection with warm and 
hot sulphur bathing, a reasonable hope of a permanent 



io4 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



cure that they cannot have from the use of any other 
remedy known to the profession. Such cases require 
a full use of the waters, and in every case the cure is 
obviously hastened by the use of other appropriate 
means while the water is being taken. 

EFFECTS OF THE WATER IN INEBRIATION. 

During the whole period of my residence at the 
Springs, I have been interested with the marked power 
I have seen manifested by the waters in overcoming the 
desire for the use of ardent spirits in those who had 
been addicted to their imprudent use. I by no means 
claim that the waters should be regarded as a specific 
against either the love or the intemperate use of alco- 
holic drinks, but simply that a proper use of them is a 
decided preventive of that feeling of necessity or desire 
for the use of strong drinks which drives the inebriate 
to use them, in despite of his own judgment to the 
contrary. Or, in other words, that their proper use 
allays or destroys the aptitude or nervous craving for 
ardent spirits, and to such an extent, that even the 
habitual drinker and confirmed inebriate feels little or 
no desire for them while he is properly using the waters. 

During my long residence here, I have witnessed 
hundreds of cases fully justifying the above statement. 
This peculiar influence of the White Sulphur water 
depends, first, upon the action of the sulphuretted 
hydrogen gas that abounds in it, and which is an active 
nervine stimulant, and as such supplies the want the 
inebriate feels for his accustomed alcoholic stimulant ; 
and secondly, it depends upon the alterative influences 
exerted by the waters upon the entire organism. While 
by its alterative power* the entire animal structure is 
brought into natural and harmonious action, there is 
a consequent subsidence of the cerebral and nervous 
irritation which always prevails in the habitual drunk- 
ard, the abatement of which enables him to exert a 
moral power greater than he could before, and sufficient 



DISEASES— REMEDIES. 



I05 



to overcome the lessened demand which his old habit, 
if he retains it in any degree, now makes upon him. 

In the initiatory or forming stage of intemperance, 
the free use of this water may be much relied upon to 
modify, or entirely prevent, the temptation for strong 
drink ; and even in the confirmed stage, its persevering 
use may inaugurate a state of the system that will essen- 
tially aid the sufferer in overcoming the hurtful habit 
of intemperance. Indeed, if the habitual drinker can 
be prevailed upon to use the water properly for some 
ten days, to the entire exclusion of alcoholic stimulants, 
he will have, for the time at least, but little alcoholic 
temptation to resist. 

Of course, I will not be so misunderstood by any as 
to suppose that I design even to intimate an opinion 
that this water is a sure and permanent cure for either 
absolute or threatened inebriation. All that I intend to 
assert in this connection is, that a proper and continuous 
use of the water will very essentially aid the intemperate 
drinker to lay aside the inebriating cup and return to 
soberness. 

The will of the excessive drinker must necessarily 
concur, to some extent, with any effort successfully 
made for his relief. But while this is so, an auxiliary 
agent, as innocent in its effects as sulphur water, that 
can so far satisfy the nervous cravings of the votary of 
strong drink as to give him increased power to resist 
his morbid habit, while at the same time his general 
health is improved, well deserves, I conceive, the atten- 
tion of all who need assistance in this direction. 

It would be irrational for the inebriate to expect to 
be cured of his morbid habit by simply visiting the 
Springs and drinking its water, however freely, and at 
the same time (which has been the habit of some) to 
drink freely also of alcoholic liquors. Such a course 
could be of no service whatever. Stimulants of what- 
ever kind, in such a case, must be abstained from while 
the water is establishing its peculiar action upon the 



106 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

system. This effected, which can ordinarily be accom- 
plished in ten or twelve days, the success of further 
persistence in the use of the water is hopeful, and easily 
thereafter under the control of the individual who is 
seeking relief. 

USE OF THE WATER BY OPIUM-EATERS. 

I am occasionally consulted by distant parties who 
are apprised of the effects of the water in allaying the 
desire for ardent spirits, whether or not it has the same 
effects in reference to the desire for opiates. 

Upon this subject I remark, that my observations of 
the influences Of the water in assisting the inebriate to 
discontinue the use of alcoholic drinks, when his will 
assents to such discontinuance, very naturally led me 
to hope that it might afford similar assistance, under a 
like consent of the will, to the opium-eater. Bat a good 
deal of difficulty lies in the way of making reliable 
observations upon this subject. Opium-eaters, even 
more than excessive drinkers, are indisposed to divulge 
their morbid propensity to their friends or physician, 
or to seek through the aid of either to be relieved of 
their hurtful habit ; consequently, while personally I 
have known hundreds of visitants to the Springs who I 
was satisfied ate opium to excess, and some to very 
great excess, nevertheless, I have had but few cases of 
inveterate opium-eating placed fully under my profes- 
sional government, with the single view of being cured 
of the habit. Some such cases, however, I have had, 
in which the sufferers freely and fully communicated 
to me the fact of their injurious habit, expressed 
earnest desire to be relieved,, and continued during the 
treatment to exercise all the force of will of which they 
were capable, to render my advice and prescriptions 
successful. In one of these cases, entirely successful 
in its treatment, the person had been in the habit for 
a long time of using not less than six grains of mor- 
phia daily. 



DISEASES— REMEDIES. 107 

The space allotted to this notice will allow me only 
now to say, that in the few cases alluded to, I used the 
waters very fully, but always in connection with other 
means that I deemed essential, — that the success of the 
combined treatment was very satisfactory, — that, in my 
opinion, the influences of the water, by lessening the 
nervous craving for opiates, materially aided in the re- 
sults, and that such results would not have taken place 
if the waters had not been used. In the cases alluded 
to, a generous confidence on the part of the sufferer, 
which led to prompt observance of professional advice, 
contributed much, I conceive, especially in the com- 
mencement of the treatment, to favorable results. 

The most that can confidently be said in favor of the 
use of the waters in such cases — and all that ought to 
be said — is, that when they are judiciously used, and 
in connection with proper adjunctive management and 
appliances, they essentially aid the opium-eater in dis- 
pensing entirely with the use of that drug. I will only 
add that, in my management of such cases, I have not 
found it best to exclude the entire use of the drug when 
the patient first commences the use of the water, as I 
advise shall .be done in the case of the inebriate. 

I have not hitherto published anything upon this 
subject, and simply from the fact that I am satisfied 
that the treatment of such cases by the waters, to be 
successful, requires careful professional management, 
with appropriate adjunctive means, — that the water is 
only an efficient aid, and not a specific, — and that the 
management necessary in connection with it, to give 
success, depends too much upon the precise circum- 
stances of each case to justify a broad recommenda- 
tion, without numerous and essential qualifications. 

I have heretofore alluded to some diseases and states 
of the system in which these waters should not be used. 
In addition to what I have already said upon that sub- 
ject, I now remark that they should not be used in 



108 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

scirrhous or cancerous affections, whether internal or ex- 
ternal, nor in hypertrophy or morbid enlargements of the 
heart. In either of the cases supposed, their effects, 
especially their full effects, would be prejudicial. 

CHALYBEATE SPRING. 

About forty rods from the White Sulphur is a cha- 
lybeate spring, in which the iron exists in the form of a 
carbonate of iron, the mildest, least offensive, and ordi- 
narily the most valuable form in which ferruginous 
waters are found. 

For the last fifteen years this water has £>een consid- 
erably used by the class of visitors whose diseases re- 
quired an iron tonic, and its effects have realized the 
rational hopes that were indulged in it. 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



109 



CHAPTER IX. 

SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Situation and Early History — Analysis by Professor Rogers — Appli- 
cability of the Waters. 

These springs, three in number, are about twenty- 
four miles south from the White Sulphur, in the county 
of Monroe, and near Union, the seat of justice for that 
county. 

The following is the analysis of Professor Rogers 
of the principal spring : — 

Temperature variable from 49 ° to 5 6°. 

Solid matter procured, by evaporation, from 100 
cubic inches, weighed, after being dried at 212 , 81.41 
grains. 

Quantity of each solid ingredient in 100 cubic 
inches, estimated as perfectly free from water: — 

1. Sulphate of lime 36.755 grains. 

2. Sulphate of magnesia 7-883 

3. Sulphate of soda 9.682 

4. Carbonate of lime 4-445 

5. Carbonate of magnesia 1-434 

6. Chloride of magnesium 0.116 

7. Chloride of sodium 0.683 

8. Chloride of calcium 0.025 

9. Peroxide of iron, from proto-sulphate 0.042 

10. An azotized organic matter, blended with sul- 

phur, about 4 " 

11. Earthy phosphates a trace. 

12. Iodine 

Volume of each of the gases contained in a free state 
in 100 cubic inches : — 

10* 



no MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen i.io to 1.50 cubic inches. 

Nitrogen 2.05 

Oxygen 0.27 

Carbonic acid ., 5.75 

The above analysis applies to the Iodine, or New- 
Spring, as well as to the Upper, or Old Spring, as the 
following extract from a letter from Professor Rogers 
to the proprietors will show : — 

"I inclose you a list of the ingredients in the Salt 
Sulphur water, which applies to the New as well as to 
the Old Spring, the former having rather a smaller 
amount of saline matter in general, though in some 
ingredients surpassing the other. It has been very 
minutely analyzed, and is the first of all the waters in 
which I was enabled to detect traces of iodine, which 
it contains in larger amount than the Old Spring, and, 
indeed, than most of the other waters in which I have 
been so fortunate as to discover this material." 

The Salt Sulphur water is remedial in cases for which 
strong sulphur waters are successfully used ; and espe- 
cially in cases that require active cathartic operation. 
While its cathartic effects are more active than those of 
any other water in the geological region in which it 
exists, it is neither harsh nor violent ; gently clearing 
the alimentary canal without debilitating the patient, 
while its activity promotes the general secretions, in- 
vigorates the appetite, and promotes digestion. The 
cathartic effects of the water are so mild and certain 
that the stomach is not oppressed by it, nor the bowels 
irritated ; but while the alimentary canal is being re- 
lieved, the functions of the system assume their physio- 
logical type, and the suspended causes of disease are 
gradually removed. 

In the extensive range of diseases dependent upon 
visceral obstructions, the Salt Sulphur is eminently 
useful ; and in that particular form of simple dyspepsia 
in which constipation is a leading and troublesome 
symptom, I have found it to be signally efficacious. 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. m 



CHAPTER X. 

RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Situation and Improvements — Analysis — Adaptation to Diseases, etc. 
— New River White Sulphur Springs. 

The Red Sulphur Springs are in the southern portion 
of the county of Monroe, forty-two miles south from 
the White Sulphur. 

The following is the result, given in one view, from 
the analysis of this water by Mr. Augustus A. Hayes, of 
Massachusetts. 

50,000 grains (nearly seven pints) of the water con- 
tain, dissolved as gases (grain measure), — 

Carbonic acid 1245 grains. 

Nitrogen 1497 " 

Oxygen 260 " 

Hydro-sulphuric acid 86 " 

3088 " 

And afford of — 

Siliceous and earthy matter 0.70 

Sulphate of soda 3.55 

Sulphate of lime 47 

Carbonate of lime 4.50 

Carbonate of magnesia 4.13 

Sulphur compound .' 7.20 

Carbonic acid 2.71 

23.26 

Mr. Hayes remarks, that the peculiar sulphur com- 
pound which forms a part of the saline contents of this 
water has never been described, if it has ever before 
been met with. While in the natural state, and out of 



H2 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

contact with atmospheric air, it is dissolved in the 
water, and forms a permanent solution. Air, acids, 
and other agents separate it from the water, in the 
form of a jelly, and alkaline carbonates, alkalies, 
water, and other agents re-dissolve it. It has no acid 
action on test fluids, but bears that character with 
bases, and forms compounds analogous to salts. 

Mixed with a small quantity of water, and exposed to 
the temperature of 8o° Fahr., it decomposes, and emits 
a most offensive odor of putrefying animal matter, 
with hydro-sulphuric acid gas. It is to this property 
that the hydro-sulphuric acid in the water is due, and 
to the oxidation of a part of this compound most of 
the sulphuric acid found in the water may be referred. 

Mr. Hayes remarks, that "chemical experiments do 
not show the medicinal properties of the substances 
operated on. But when a substance, the result of deli- 
cately-balanced affinities, gives in its decomposition an 
agent of powerful action on the animal system, we may 
conclude that it is an active ingredient, if found in a 
water possessed of high curative powers. I am dis- 
posed, therefore," he says, "to consider the sulphur 
compound in this water as the principal medicinal 
agent contained in it ; although its action in combina- 
tion with the other constituents may be necessary to 
produce the effects for which this water is so justly 
celebrated." 

Mr. Hayes, from his chemical examinations, comes, 
to the conclusion that the red color of the matter which 
is deposited on the slabs, etc., is that of moss or lichen, 
which finds its habitat in the viscid covering produced 
by the deposition of the sulphur compound. 

The peculiar and distinguishing reputation of this 
water, as a medicinal agent, is for diseases of the 
thoracic viscera, and, by some, it has been considered 
remedial in confirmed tubercular consumption. Dis- 
senting entirely from this high claim for the water as a 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



"3 



remedy in confirmed co?isu7?ifition, my observations for 
many years enable me to award to it decided efficacy 
in many cases of irritation of the pulmonary organs. 
In sympathetic or translated affections of the lungs, 
whether that state be occasioned from disease of the 
digestive or chylopoietic viscera, or be dependent upon 
the retrocession of some habitual discharge, the water 
deserves to be regarded as a valuable remedy. 

While the Red Sulphur has been considered pecu- 
liarly adapted to the cure of pulmonary diseases, — and it 
is true that it has a beneficial influence in many cases 
of this kind, — its good effects equally extend to all 
cases of subacute inflammation, whether seated in the 
stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, bladder, and 
most particularly in the mucous membrane. 

It is also used with good effects in chronic bowel 
complaints, leucorrhcea, gleet, catarrh of the bladder, 
and in some forms of uterine derangement. 

With this as with other sulphur waters, if the system 
should be too plethoric, or too much excited, the use 
of the water should be postponed until the excitement 
shall be reduced to a proper state. Commence by 
taking one glass of water at bedtime, and one before 
breakfast ; after a few days, take two glasses at bed- 
time, and two before breakfast, one at eleven o'clock 
a.m., and one at five p.m. ; this quantity will generally 
operate freely on the bowels ; if it should fail to pro- 
duce this effect, a little common salt, magnesia, or 
cream of tartar may be added. If it is desired to act 
on the kidneys, increase the quantity of water to three 
or four glasses between a light supper and bedtime, 
and the same quantity between daylight in the morning 
and breakfast-time, two glasses at noon, and one or two 
glasses about five o'clock p.m., taking care to exercise 
freely after drinking. The most proper periods for 
using the water are, at night before bedtime, and in 
the morning before breakfast-time. 



II 4 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 



NEW RIVER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

This name is given to a recently improved sulphur 
spring on New River, in the county of Giles, a few 
miles southwest from the Red Sulphur. This property 
has been improved within the last twenty years, for the 
entertainment of visitors. 

The waters of this fountain have not been analyzed, 
but they belong to the great Sulphur class, so abun- 
dantly found in that geological region, and are valuable 
in such cases as are usually successfully treated by mild 
Sulphur waters. 

These Springs may be reached by stage or private 
conveyance from the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, 
at Newbern or Christiansburg, or from the Red, Salt, 
or Montgomery White Sulphur Springs. 



SWEET SPRINGS. 115 



CHAPTER XI. 

SWEET SPRINGS. 

Situation and Early History — Improvements — Analysis — Effects of the 
Waters — Adaptation of the Waters as a Beverage, and as a Bath, etc. 

The Sweet Springs are situated in a pleasant valley 
in the eastern extremity of Monroe County. They are 
seventeen miles southeast from the White Sulphur, and 
twenty-two east from the Salt Sulphur. 

These springs were discovered in 1764, before any of 
the other mineral waters in this section of the State 
were known. In 1774, they had attracted so much 
attention as to be analyzed by Bishop Madison, then 
President of William and Mary College. 

The valley, in which the spring is situated, is about 
five miles in length, and from one-half to three-fourths 
of a mile in width, and is bounded on the south by 
the lofty Sweet Spring Mountain, and on the north by 
the Alleghany. The spring and bath are situated in 
the lower end of a small hollow or valley, that makes 
out from the base of the Sweet Spring Mountain, from 
which the ground gradually swells on either side. Con- 
tiguous to the spring is a grove of a few old natives of 
the forest that have fortunately escaped the axe of the 
spoiler, which, together with a sodding of grass, give 
the means of a pleasant promenade in good weather. 

The earlier improvements of the place were of a 
rude but comfortable character ; they have now, for the 
most part, given way to buildings of a high order of 
architectural merit, and attractive in every respect. 



n6 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

The bathing-house is a tasteful and elegant struc- 
ture ', and the separate reservoirs, for the use of ladies 
and gentlemen, are of ample size, and arranged to 
give every comfort to the bathers. 

The temperature (Bell) of the Sweet Spring is 73 
Fahr. , the same as that which, in England, by a strange 
blunder, is called Bristol Hot Well. There is con- 
siderable resemblance between the two in other respects, 
as well in the evolution of carbonic acid as in the 
earthy and saline matters held in solution. In the 
Virginia spring, however, iron has been detected ; 
whereas the Bristol Hot Well has none in its composi- 
tion. 

By the analysis of Rowelle, one quart of the Sweet 
Spring water contains : — 

Saline substances in general 12 to 15 grains. 

Earthy substances 18 to 24 " 

Iron i to 1 grain. 

The saline substances are sulphate of magnesia, 
muriate of soda, and muriate of lime, with a little 
sulphate of lime. The earthy matter consists of sul- 
phate of lime, a small portion of carbonate of magnesia 
and lime, with a small portion of siliceous earth. 

Professor Rogers, in the course of his geological 
survey of the State, analyzed the waters of the Sweet 
Spring, with the following results : — 

1 st. Solid matter procured by evaporation from one 
hundred cubic inches, 32.67. 

A portion of this is combined with water. 

2d. Quantity of each solid ingredient, estimated as 
perfectly free from water, in one hundred cubic 
inches: — 

Sulphate of lime S-7°3 

Sulphate of magnesia 4.067 

Sulphate of soda 2.746 

Carbonate of lime 13-013 

Chloride of sodium 0.060 

Chloride of magnesium 0.136 



SWEET SPRINGS. 



117 



Chloride of calcium 0.065 

Peroxide of iron (sesquioxide) 0.061 

Silica , 0.07s 

Earthy phosphate a trace. 

3d. Volume of each of the gases contained in a free 
state in one hundred cubic inches of the water : — 

Carbonic acid 37-17 

Nitrogen 1.86 

Oxygen a trace. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, a trace, too small to be measured. 

4th. Composition of one hundred cubic inches of 
the mixed gases rising in bubbles in the spring : — 

Nitrogen 71.7 

Carbonic acid 28.3 

The chief distinguishing feature of this water is the 
predominance of the carbonic acid (fixed air) which it 
contains, and it is properly regarded as the best exam- 
ple of the acidulous waters that is found in our country. 

The name of these waters is calculated to convey 
erroneous impressions of their taste, which is like a 
solution of a small quantity of a calcareous or magne- 
sian carbonate. The excess of carbonic acid gives, 
however, the water a briskness, productive of a very 
different effect on the palate from what an imperfect 
mixture of the earths would produce. 

The first effects of the water (due to its temperature 
and gaseous contents), when drunk, are a feeling of 
warmth at the stomach, with a sensation of fullness of 
the head, and some giddiness. Taken at stated inter- 
vals in moderate quantity, it will produce a moisture 
on the skin, and increase the flow of urine. If the 
stomach be in a good state, it gives additional appetite, 
and imparts fresh vigor to the system. Its operations 
on the bowels vary at first ; but, after a more protracted 
use, it will generally be found to increase a costive 
habit. 

11 



n8 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

The Sweet Spring water is serviceable in the varieties 
of dyspepsia accompanied by gastrodynia or spasm, 
with pains occurring at irregular intervals, and heart- 
burn, where the extremities are cold and the skin 
torpid. In secondary debility of the digestive canal, 
from the exhausting heats of summer, or in chronic 
diarrhoea and dysentery, without fever, or not sustained 
by hepatic inflammation, advantage will be derived by 
the internal use of these waters. 

If much gastric irritation, or evident phlogosis of 
the liver, be present, with a parched skin and other 
phenomena of fever, it will be better to premise one or 
two small bleedings, followed by the use of a blue pill 
at night, and a tumblerful or two of the water, to which 
has been added a teaspoonful of Epsom salts, or twice 
the quantity of calcined magnesia, early in the morning. 

The harassing cough to which young persons are 
occasionally subject, and which often has its origin in 
an enfeebled state of the stomach, or in scrofulous 
habits from the enlargement of the bronchial glands, 
as also the tussis humoralis of old people, will all be 
materially benefited by the use of these waters. The 
relief afforded in such cases as these has usually given 
Bristol Hot Well its reputation in the cure of pulmonary 
consumption. 

Females who have become enervated by long con- 
finement, or from nursing their children, and whose 
constitutions have suffered for want of exercise and fresh 
air, will be benefited by the use of these waters, inter- 
nally and as a bath. 

In subacute rheumatism, and in neuralgic attacks, 
the Sweet Spring bath is often useful. In the closing 
stages of acute rheumatism, the patient is sometimes 
harassed with a lingering irritability of his system, with 
tenderness, pain, and inability in the diseased joints, 
attended with slight feverishness, especially toward the 
close of the day. 

In such cases, while hot or warm bathing would be 



SWEET SPRINGS. 



119 



injurious, the baths of the Sweet or Red Sweet Springs 
may be resorted to with the best effects. The use of 
the spout in such cases is valuable, by placing the dis- 
eased part under the falling water and allowing it to 
receive the dash for a short time. 

A very efficacious way of applying this water to the 
surface is by douche, — the stream being directed to the 
part in which the disease is situated, — wherever there is 
" augmented heat and fixed pain, as over the stomach, 
or liver, or abdomen generally, above the pubes, or on 
the loins and sacrum; also to the joints, when the 
violence of inflammation has not yet subsided, nor 
passed entirely into the chronic state. If the irritation 
of the stomach forbids the drinking of the water, 
douching the epigastrium would form a good preparative 
for its use in this way. Lumbago, with some evening 
fever, chlorosis or fluor a/bus, with heat and pain at the 
loins, would be benefited by douching this part. 

"The excess of carbonic acid, and the presence of 
earthy carbonates in the water, make it useful in cal- 
culous and nephritic complaints." 

As a tonic, in cases of pure debility, they may be 
used with advantage, always, however, regarding this as 
an aphorism, that they are contra-indicated, and should 
be withheld, in all cases in which there is positive conges- 
tion in any of the vital organs. 

The first sensation on immersion in the Sweet Spring 
bath is a slight shock, which speedily passes off, leaving 
the bather with the most agreeable sensations while he 
disports himself in the sparkling pool. 

The bath is unsuited to the paralytic, and should be 
avoided by those in whom apoplectic tendencies are 
threatening. 

In using the bath, " the chief points to be attended 
to are, that the skin should not be moist or cold with 
perspiration, nor that there shall be general chill, nor 
the languor that follows excessive muscular action. The 
stomach also should be nearly empty, or, at least, not 



120 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

actively engaged in its work of digestion." Many- 
persons are injudicious in remaining too long in the 
bath. From two to eight minutes will embrace periods 
adapted to every condition, and only the most robust 
should remain in the last-mentioned time. In a large 
majority of cases, indeed, in all cases in which there is 
much general debility, from two to five minutes, ac- 
cording to circumstances, will embrace the proper 
periods for remaining in the bath. 



CHAPTER XII. 

SWEET CHALYBEATE, OR RED SWEET SPRINGS. 

Their Analysis — Nature and Medicinal Adaptations of the Waters as 
a Beverage and a Bath — Artificial Warm Baths, etc. 

One mile north of the Sweet Springs, on the road 
leading to the White Sulphur, and just within the 
southern border of Alleghany County, are the Red 
Sweet Springs. 

This property, embracing about 1700 acres of land, 
affords one of the most productive farms in the State, 
— a very great convenience to a spring establishment 
in reference to its supplies. 

The improvements subservient to the springs are 
spacious, well designed, and comfortable, and are suffi- 
cient for the accommodation of from three to four hun- 
dred persons. Among them are well-designed and 
spacious bathing-pools for gentlemen and ladies, each 
affording a douche, from the use of which the bather 
may often derive most essential benefit. 

There are also here ladies' and gentlemen's bathing- 
rooms fitted up for receiving hot or warm baths of any 
desired temperature. 

There are two medicinal springs at this establishment, 
the one a few paces below the hotel, essentially the 
same, both in quality and temperature, with the old 
Sweet Springs; indeed, it may be regarded as identi- 
cally the same water. The other, some forty rods, per- 
haps, above the hotel, is in many respects like it, but 
containing a much larger quantity of iron, which, being 
abundantly deposited in the form of a red precipitate, 
has given it the name of Red Spring. 

11* ( 121 ) 



122 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

The water of the Red Spring, which is the charac- 
teristic water of the place, and most relied upon both 
for drinking and bathing, issues from beneath heavy 
and irregular stone arches, just at the head of a narrow 
cove formed by a projecting hill on one side, and on 
the other by large masses of porous stone, probably 
deposited there from the Sweet Spring water, which 
once flowed in this direction. 

There are here three fountains, separated by narrow 
stone partitions, but all running into one common 
sluice. The upper and boldest of these fountains is 
about two degrees colder than the two lower ones, and 
evidently contains less of ferruginous matter. The 
water issuing from all of them is probably two hundred 
and fifty gallons in a minute. 

The water of the Red Spring has been twice ana- 
lyzed, first by Rowelle, and then by Professor Rogers. 
According to Rowelle, one quart of this water con- 
tains — 

Carbonate of lime 4 grains. 

Carbonate of magnesia 3 " 

Carbonate of iron 2 " 

Silex 1 grain. 

Sulphate of magnesia 1 " 

Muriate of soda \ " 

Iron combined 1 " 

Carbonic acid. 

The following is the result of an analysis by Pro- 
fessor Rogers : — 

1st. Solid matter, procured by evaporation from one 
hundred cubic inches, weighed, after being dried at 
112 , 40.76. 

A portion of this is combined water. 

2d. Quantity of each solid ingredient estimated as per- 
fectly free from water. In one hundred cubic inches : — 

Sulphate of lime 14.233 

Sulphate of magnesia 3-i°7 

Sulphate of soda.. 1.400 



SWEET CHALYBEATE SPRINGS. 



123 



Carbonate of lime 1.166 

Chloride of sodium 0.037 

Chloride of magnesium 0.680 

Chloride of calcium 0.010 

Sesquioxide of iron, 0.320 

Organic matter in small quantities. 
Iodine, a mere trace. 

The iron is no doubt dissolved in the water as a 
carbonate. 

3d. Volume of each of the gases contained in a free 
state, in one hundred cubic inches of the water : — 

Carbonicacid 46.1® cubic inches. 

Nitrogen 2.57 " 

Oxygen 20 " 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, a trace, too small to be measured. 

4th. Composition of one hundred cubic inches of 
the mixed gases rising in bubbles in the spring : — 

Nitrogen 62.5 

Carbonicacid 37.5 

The temperature of the Red Spring water, as it 
issues from three different heads, is from 75 to 79 . 
Frequent examinations of this spring with a thermom- 
eter induce me to believe that its temperature is slightly 
variable, never exceeding, however, one or two degrees 
of variation. 

The analyses of the Red Sweet and Sweet Spring 
waters, by the same chemist, show that they contain 
essentially the same ingredients, but in different pro- 
portions, both the salts and the gases being more abun- 
dant in the former. The chief difference in the medicinal 
effect of the two waters is probably owing to the larger 
quantity of iron held in solution by the Red Sweet. 
While the Sweet Spring contains of iron 0.061 grains 
in one hundred cubic inches of its water, the Red 
Sweet in the same amount of water contains 0.320, or 
about four-fifths in excess. This goes, so far as analysis 
can be satisfactory, to prove its higher tonic power. 



124 



MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 



The iron in this water exists in the form of a carbo- 
nate, held in solution by carbonic acid gas, constituting 
the mildest, and, at the same time, the most efficient 
preparation of ferruginous waters. 

While the carbonic acid gas in the Red Sweet is 
41.10 grains against 37.17 in the Sweet, the carbonates 
as a whole largely prevail in the latter. Again, while 
the sulphate of lime is much the largest in the Red 
Sweet, the sulphates of magnesia and soda, both aperi- 
ent in their character, decidedly predominate in the 
Sweet Spring waters. It may be noted that iodine, in 
small quantity, is found in the Red Sweet, and not in 
the Sweet ; but its quantity is doubtless very small, and 
I am not aware of any peculiar effects of the water that 
can, with certainty, be attributed to this agent. It 
may, possibly, exert some beneficial influence as atonic 
in combination with the other ingredients. From a 
review of the analyses of these two interesting waters, 
as well as from observation of their effects on disease, 
it would not be very inaccurate to say that the Red is 
the Sweet Spring water with a strong iron base. But 
medical men, who should look closely into the peculi- 
arities of remedial agents, will find upon careful scrutiny 
of these, that the difference in the amount and combi- 
nation of their materials must modify, to some extent, 
their therapeutical agency upon the human system, and 
that, according to the practical object they wish to 
effect, they should select one or the other of them. 

As a general rule, it is fallacious to adopt the analy- 
sis of a mineral water as a guide in its administration. 
Although an analysis, as correct as can be obtained 
in the present state of chemical science, is an impor- 
tant assistant in understanding the general nature of re- 
medial waters, and aiding in the formation of general 
conclusions in relation to them, still, actual observation 
of the peculiar effects of these agents is greatly more 
satisfactory, and far more to be relied upon. Mineral 
waters often produce effects upon the animal economy 



SWEET CHALYBEATE SPRINGS 125 

that are not indicated by their analyses, and, in some 
cases, they produce results that are directly contra- 
indicated. But, in reference to these particular waters, 
there seems to be quite a concurrence between the in- 
dications afforded by their analyses and actual observa- 
tion as to their effects. 

With both of these lights before us, we are forced to 
regard the Red Spring water as being more decidedly 
tonic in its influences upon the system than the water 
of the Sweet Spring, and somewhat more exciting, too; 
hence, all the cautions that have been urged in refer- 
ence to the contra-indications of the use of the Sweet 
Spring water, apply even with more force as to the use 
of this. 

From the same lights we also learn that, as a very 
gentle aperient, and a mild and somewhat less exciting 
tonic, the Sweet Springs have the preference, and espe- 
cially in such cases as do not admit or require the use 
of chalybeates. The diuretic effect is about the same 
from the use of either water. 

These general principles may, to some extent, I hope, 
indicate the class of cases that will be most benefited 
by one or the other of these springs. But it must be 
confessed that the subject is sometimes an intricate one, 
requiring a full knowledge of the case, with a careful 
comparative estimate of the powers of the two waters, 
to decide with certainty under the use of which the 
patient will be most benefited. There is, however, a 
large class of cases that will be essentially, if not equally, 
benefited by the use of either of these waters. To such 
cases as require the use of the iron tonics, the Red Sweet 
water is peculiarly well adapted, and maybe prescribed 
with great confidence. 

Both internally, and as a bath, the Red Sweet waters 
are adapted to numerous diseases. As a tonic in cases 
of nervous debility, or of general prostration, the result 
of prior violent disease, they may be used with great 
confidence. In dyspepsia, particularly when connected 



126 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

with gastrodynia, and irregular pains in the stomach, 
with want of tone in the alimentary canal, they may be 
advantageously employed. In Gastralgia, or nervous 
dyspepsia, after the force of the disease has been soft- 
ened down by the use of medicines, or alterative min- 
eral waters, they deserve the highest commendation. 

Cases of chronic diarrhoea have been cured by the 
Red Sweet waters, after other springs, more commonly 
recommended for that disease, have failed to give relief. 

Simple debility of the uterine and urinary functions 
is very generally benefited by these waters. Sperma- 
torrhoea, and that peculiar nervous prostration con- 
nected with excessive or improper indulgences, are very 
happily treated by them, where regard is had to the 
state of the system in connection with their use. They 
are profitably prescribed in debility resulting from ex- 
hausting discharges, provided such discharges have left 
no seat of irritation to which general excitement may 
cause a rapid afflux of fluids with increased sensibility. 

Ladies who are laboring under debility from long 
confinement or nursing, — those whose health has be- 
come impaired from want of exercise in the open air, 
as well as those who have been enervated by leucorrhoea, 
or other exhausting causes, will be greatly benefited by 
using the water and bath. 

In Neuralgic affections, unattended with organic 
lesion or obstruction, this water is used with' very gen- 
eral success, and rarely fails to ameliorate or cure such 
cases. 

In speaking of the waters of the Red Sweet and 
Sweet Springs, I wish to be understood as alluding to 
the baths, as well as to the internal use of the waters. 
In a large majority of cases, the bath is, doubtless, the 
most prominent agent in effecting a cure. Merely as a 
bath, there is probably little difference in the effects of 
the two springs. The temperature of the Red Sweet 
is two or three degrees warmer than the Sweet. This, 
in some cases, might be a difference of importance, 



SWEET CHALYBEATE SPRINGS. I2 J 

and not to be overlooked by the physician or the 
invalid. 

The effects experienced after coming out of these 
baths, provided the patient has not indulged himself in 
them too long, are as remarkable as they are agreeable. 
They differ widely from the effects of an ordinary cold 
bath. There is an elasticity and buoyancy of body and 
spirit that makes one feel like leaping walls or clearing 
ditches at a single bound. This cannot be from the 
absorption of any of the materials of the water by the 
cutaneous vessels. The few minutes that we remain in 
the water, especially the very short time after the stric- 
ture of the skin from the first plunge has passed off, 
forbid such an idea. May it not be owing to a stimu- 
lant impression imparted by the carbonic acio^gas to 
the nerves of the skin, and by sympathy extended 
rapidly over the whole body? 

About a mile from the Sweet Chalybeate, and on the 
same estate, a bold spring, decidedly sulphurous in char- 
acter, issues from under a heavy ledge of rocks. If the 
surface waters that probably find a way into this spring 
were carefully excluded, it might constitute a sulphur 
fountain worthy of notice. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

HOT SPRINGS. 

Effects of the Waters Internally and Externally used — Analysis — 
Diseases to which they are applicable — Speculations on Thermali- 
zation, etc. 

The Hot Springs are in the county of Bath, thirty- 
five miles northeast from the White Sulphur, and 
twenty-one west from Millborough Depot. Comfort- 
able bathing-houses have been erected for the accom- 
modation both of male and female patients. In each 
of these houses suitable arrangements are made for 
taking the sweat ox plunge bath, as may be desired ; or 
for receiving the douche when it may be required. 

The several baths are supplied with water from sepa- 
rate springs; they range in temperature from ioo° to 
106 of heat. The effects of these waters in disease 
prove that they are medicated, though they are con- 
sidered by many as simple hot water. They are known 
to contain sulphate and carbonate of lime, sulphate of 
soda and magnesia, a minute portion of muriate of iron, 
carbonic acid gas, nitrogen gas, and a trace of sulphu- 
retted hydrogen gas ; and, when used internally, some 
of the consequences are such as we might expect from 
our knowledge of their constituent parts. 

These waters, taken internally, are antacid, mildly 
aperient, and freely diuretic and diaphoretic. But, 
when used as a general bath, their effects are very de- 
cided. They equalize an unbalanced circulation, and 
thereby restore the system to its natural sensibility, 
upon the existence of which their capacity to perform 

(128) 



HOT SPRINGS. I29 

their several functions, and the beneficial action of all 
remedies, depend. They relax contracted tendons ; 
excite the action of absorbent vessels ; promote glan- 
dular secretion ; exert a marked influence over the 
biliary and urinary systems, and often relieve, in a 
short time, the pain caused by palpable and long-stand- 
ing disease in some vital organ. 

They have been analyzed by Professor William B. 
Rogers. The saline ingredients in one hundred cubic 
inches of water are — 

Carbonate of lime 7013 

Carbonate of magnesia -I -3 2 4 

Sulphate of lime 1.302 

Sulphate of magnesia I-53Q 

Sulphate of soda 1-363 

Chloride of sodium and magnesium, with a trace of chlo- 
ride of calcium 0.105 

Proto-carbonate of iron 0.096 

Silica 0.045 

12.778 

The free gas consists of nitrogen, oxygen, and car- 
bonic acid gas. It also contains a mere trace of sul- 
phuretted hydrogen. 

The heat of the human body, as ascertained by in- 
serting the bulb of a thermometer under the tongue, is 
about 96 , — sometimes as high as 98 ; and these degrees 
seem to be the same, with little variation, in all parts of 
the world, neither affected, in the healthy body, by the 
heat of the torrid nor the cold of the frigid zones. But 
this, however, relates only to the internal temperature of 
the body; the heat of the skin is very variable, and, 
generally, considerably below the degree of animal 
heat. This arises from the great cooling process of 
evaporation, constantly going on over the whole sur- 
face ; its sensibility to all external impressions, and its 
exposure to the atmosphere, which seldom rises so high 
as 98 , even in the highest heats of summer. 

From a view of these causes, we will easily be led to 
12 



13° 



MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 



perceive why a bath heated to 98 gives a strong and 
decided sense of warmth to the skin ; and a sensation 
of slight warmth, rather than of chilliness, is felt, even 
several degrees below this point. 

Whenever a bath is raised above the degree of animal 
heat, it then becomes a direct stimulus to the whole 
system, rapidly accelerates the pulse, increases the force 
of the circulation, renders the skin red and susceptible, 
and the vessels full and turgid. 

The temperature of the Hot Spring baths, ranging 
from ioo° to 106 , must be decidedly stimulant, and 
the more or less so according to the particular bath 
employed. It is probable that to their stimulant power 
we are mainly indebted for their curative virtue. The 
soothing and tranquillizing effects, which often follow 
their use, are the result of their sanative influence in 
bringing the organism into a normal condition. 

Hot baths are potent and positive agents. When 
applied to the human body they are never negative in 
their influences, but will do either good or harm, ac- 
cording to the judgment and skill with which they are 
employed. 

Their stimulant influences forbid their use in all 
acute diseases, and they are contra-indicated in such 
chronic cases as are attended with high vascular ex- 
citement, or exalted nervous susceptibility. There are, 
nevertheless, a large number of chronic diseases in which 
hot bathing constitutes the most rational and the chief 
reliance of the invalid. But these potent agents should 
never be prescribed merely for the name of a disease, 
however carefully its nomenclature has been selected. 
The precise existing state of the system, whatever may 
be the pathology of the disease, ought always to be care- 
fully looked to before a course of hot bathing is directed. 

These baths are found eminently useful in most cases 
of chronic rheumatism, and in the_,various forms of gout. 
In local paralysis, occasioned by the use of any of the 
mineral poisons, or in metastasis of gout, rheumatism, 



HOT SPRINGS. I 3I 

or other diseases, they may be used with good effect. 
Chronic bronchitis, especially if connected with a gouty 
diathesis ; deafness, connected with defective or vitiated 
secretions of the membrane of the ear ; old sprains, or 
other painful injuries of the joints, are often much 
benefited by their use. 

Diseases of the Uterine System, such as amenorrhea, 
painful dysmenorrhea, etc., are often relieved here. 

In some of the more obstinate forms of biliary de- 
rangements they are used with happy effects, particu- 
larly the hot douche, when applied over the region of 
the liver to relieve the torpor of that organ. 

So much has been written on the medical appli- 
cability of thermal waters, that I have not thought 
it necessary here to do more than to lay down a few 
general principles to guide the invalid in their use, 
and to allude to some particular diseases, for the cure 
of which these springs are known to be well adapted. 

The cause of the high temperature of thermal springs 
has long been a matter of curious speculation. Some 
have attributed it to the agency of electricity; but this 
must be regarded in the light of an ingenious specu- 
lation, rather than the result of observation and facts. 
It is very common now to regard various phenomena 
as the result of electrical influences, principally, per- 
haps, because we know the agent to be very potent 
and pervading, but partly because of our ignorance of 
the general laws by which electricity is governed. But, 
whatever the facts may be, there seems to be no proof 
approximating to a reasonable probability, that elec- 
tricity is principally concerned in producing the i high 
temperature of thermal waters. 

Another theory, and one which elicits the largest 
amount of credence from scientific men, alleges that 
"the heat of thermal springs is owing to the central 
heat of the globe, and that it increases in proportion to 



I 3 2 



MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 



the depth from which they proceed." The philoso- 
pher Laplace embraced this theory, and it is, I believe, 
held by most geologists. It is urged,* and, to some 
extent, is well maintained, that the temperature of the 
earth increases, as we descend into it, about one de- 
gree for every hundred feet; and if the increase con- 
tinues in this proportion, we should arrive at boiling 
water at the depth of less than three miles. In proof 
of this fact, the regular increase of temperature, as 
borings have descended into the earth in the artesian 
well at Paris, now eighteen hundred feet deep, and 
throwing out, by a subterranean power, an immense 
volume of warm water, might be cited. But what are 
we to do with the apparently refuting fact exhibited 
in the salt wells at Kanawha in West Virginia? Several 
of these wells have been bored to the depth of sixteen 
or seventeen hundred feet, and without any appreciable 
increase of temperature. 

Other theorists . suppose that thermal springs owe 
their temperature to circumscribed volcanoes, and that 
such springs are a sort of safety-valve to those subter- 
raneous conflagrations. It is well known that an earth- 
quake, or an eruption of a volcano, has often produced 
a change in the temperature of thermal springs that 
were even at some distance from the place where these 
phenomena occurred. 

There is still another theory, "that supposes that 
the heat of these springs is produced by certain pro- 
cesses going on in the interior of the earth, and that 
these processes are attended with an absorption of oxy- 
gen and a consequent extrication of caloric." In the 
absence of any positive knowledge on the subject, this 
theory would seem to be sustained by as much proba- 



* See Professor Daubeny's essay, in the sixth Report of the British 
Association for the Advancement of Science. 



HOT SPRINGS. 



133 



bility as any of the others that have been alluded to. 
But this is a subject that falls strictly within the 
province of geology; and the zeal and success with 
which that science is being prosecuted, afford reason- 
able grounds to look to its votaries for some elucida- 
tion of this curious topic. 



12 5 



CHAPTER XIV. 

WARM SPRINGS. 

Analysis — Time and Manner of Using — Diseases for which Em- 
ployed, etc. 

The Warm Springs are in a narrow vale, at the 
western base of the Warm Spring Mountain, in the 
county of Bath, fifty miles west of Staunton, and five 
miles northeast from the Hot Springs. They are 
among the oldest of our watering-places, having been 
resorted to on account of their medicinal virtues for 
more than ninety years. The property was patented 
by Governor Fauquier to the Lewis family, in 1760. 

Several of our medicinal fountains claim to have been 
known and appreciated by the aborigines of the country. 
In reference to this particular one, there are many tales 
related by that venerable class, the oldest inhabitants, of 
the discovery and use of its waters by the Indians. 

It is a matter of sober history, that very soon after 
the discovery of the Warm Springs by civilized man, 
they became celebrated for their curative qualities, in 
various diseases, as well as for the mere luxury of bath- 
ing ; and that they were frequented, at much labor and 
fatigue, by invalids, before any other (save the Sweet 
Springs) of the valuable watering-places in Virginia 
were known. 

The following is the result of an analysis of a stand- 
ard gallon of this water by Mr. Hayes, of Boston : — 

Sulphate of potash i-37i grains. 

Sulphate of ammonia 0.369 " 

(134) 



WARM SPRINGS. 



135 



Sulphate of lime I 4-53 I grains. 

Carbonate of lime 5.220 " 

. Crenate of iron 2.498 " 

Silicate of magnesia and alumina 1.724 " 

Carbonic acid 6.919 " 

32.632 

The virtues of this water are probably owing to its 
temperature, rather than to any medicinal agents com- 
bined with it. The supply of water is very abundant, 
— estimated at six thousand gallons a minute. For the 
gentlemen' s bath, it is received into a room thirty-eight 
feet in diameter, and may be raised to the depth of six 
feet. After it has been used, the water is drawn off 
and the bath fills again in fifteen or twenty minutes. 
The bathing arrangement for ladies is extensive, 
convenient, and comfortable. This bath is circular, 
and fifty feet in diameter; surrounded by twenty- 
two dressing-rooms, with private baths "of warm and 
cold water, and is the largest and most complete es- 
tablishment of the kind to be found anywhere in our 
country. Adjoining the gentlemen's bath, a room has 
been constructed for a cold plunge bath, which is plen- 
tifully supplied with common spring water, piped from 
the neighboring hills, of a temperature of from 6o° 
to 65 . 

The common practice in the use of the Warm Spring 
bath is, to bathe twice a day, and remain in the water 
from twelve to twenty minutes each time. In some 
cases, especially when the bath is used for cutaneous 
diseases, the patient may profitably remain in for a 
much longer period, even from half an hour to one 
hour. As a general rule, and especially for delicate 
persons, active exercise should be avoided while in the 
bath, and always, on coming out, the bather should be 
well rubbed over the whole body with a coarse towel. 

The best times for bathing are, in the morning be- 
fore breakfast, and on an empty stomach an hour be- 
fore dinner. Where perspiration is required, the bath 



136 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

should be taken in the evening, the patient retiring 
to bed immediately after. 

The diseases for which these baths have been profit- 
ably employed are numerous ; among them are atonic 
gout, chronic rheumatism, indolent swellings of the 
joints or lymphatic glands, paralysis, obstructions of 
the liver and spleen, old syphilitic and syphiloid dis- 
eases, chronic cutaneous diseases, nephritic and calcu- 
lous disorders, amenorrhcea and dysmenorroea. Occa- 
sionally, chronic diarrhoea is relieved. The same may 
be said of neuralgia ; but, most generally, we find 
baths of somewhat lower temperature more beneficial 
in this disease. In connection with the internal use of 
the alum waters, these baths will be found very service- 
able in the various and distressing forms of scrofula. 
In painful affections of the limbs, following a mercu- 
rial course, they are efficacious, and the more so if em- 
ployed in connection with the internal use of the sul- 
phur waters. 

Some precautions should be observed in entering 
upon the use of these baths, even by those to whose 
diseases they may be well adapted. The bowels should 
be open, or in a solvent condition ; the state of the 
tongue should indicate a good condition of the stom- 
ach; the patient should be free from febrile excitement, 
and from the weariness and exhaustion generally the 
result of traveling in the public conveyances in hot 
weather. Many commit an error, and occasionally 
make themselves quite ill, by imprudently plunging 
into the bath immediately after arriving at the springs, 
and before they have in any degree become relieved 
from the fatigue and excitement of the travel necessary 
to reach them. From such an imprudent course, the 
bather has little rational grounds to hope for benefit, 
and is fortunate if he escape without injury. 

Timely and properly used, these baths are entirely 
safe ; and for the luxury of bathing, are equal, or supe- 
rior, to any elsewhere to be found. 



CHAPTER XV. 

HEALING SPRINGS. 

Location — Analyses — Therapeutic Action — Diseases for which they 
may be Prescribed, etc. 

This medicinal fountain is in Bath County, Virginia, 
and is one of the thermal springs that give name to that 
county, and for which the chain of valleys, that lie at 
the western base of the Warm Spring Mountain, is so 
remarkable. The most southern of the group is the 
Falling Spring Valley, which embosoms the water under 
notice. 

The Healing Springs comprise three separate springs. 
Two of these are quite near each other, and the third 
at a distance of perhaps two hundred yards in the same 
ravine. These springs are beautifully bright and crys- 
talline ; and the ever-bursting bubbles of gas, that 
escape with the water and float in myriads of vesicles 
upon its surface, impart to it a peculiar sparkling ap- 
pearance. 

Their temperature is uniformly 86° Fahr., nor are 
they subject to any variation of quantity or quality. 

The following is Prof. Aiken's analysis of what is 
termed the New Spring : — 

New Spring, spec. grav. 100030. Temperature 88 deg. Fahrenheit. 
Water feebly acid to test-paper. One gallon contains — 

Carbonate of lime 18.721 grains. 

Carbonate of magnesia i-9°4 " 

Carbonate of iron 275 " 

Sulphate of lime , 1.263 " 

Sulphate of magnesia 7-392 " 

(137) 



138 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

Sulphate of potassa 2.530 grains. 

Sulphate of iron 100 " 

Sulphate of ammonia 234 " 

Chloride of potassium 253 " 

Chloride of sodium 288 " 

Silicic acid 1.820 " 

Organic acid, probably crenic 876 " 

Carbonic acid 2.286 " 

Sulphuretted hydrogen 00010 " 

fodSe ne } atraceofeach - 

38.00210 " 



The bubbles of gas that rise contain in 100 parts nitrogen gas 
97.25, carbonic acid gas 2.75. 

The contents of the Old Spring are essentially the 
same, being somewhat less abundant in solid material. 

A species of alga springs up luxuriantly in these 
waters. It is of a dark-green color, and exceedingly 
delicate and beautiful in structure. The water, when 
drunk, acts in three principal ways upon the system, to 
wit : upon the kidneys, the bowels, and the skin ; and 
the relative affinity for each particular organ is cor- 
rectly indicated by the order of their enumeration. 
The direction to either is influenced somewhat by the 
condition of the system and by the manner of using the 
water. But while it is capable of being directed to 
either organ specifically, it may be so employed as to 
exert a general and not less salutary effect over the 
whole at once. Its simultaneous action upon three 
great emunctories of the body, with its capacity to be 
directed specifically to either, constitutes this water a 
safe and gentle, but at the same time a certain and 
efficient, depurating agent of the human body. 

Bathing, both general and topical, is a valuable and 
important mode of employing the water, and should 
not be neglected when demanded by the circumstances 
of a given case. 

The water of the* Healing Springs, so far as it is capa- 



HEALING SPRINGS. 



1 39 



ble of classification, may be regarded, in its general 
action upon the system, as alterative and tonic, both 
directly and indirectly ; but inasmuch as it is an agent 
sui generis in its character, we doubt the correctness of 
limiting its action by restrictive definitions. 

The first employment of these springs, and their 
earliest manifestation of curative powers, was in ill- 
conditioned ulcers and intractable affections of the skin ; 
and hence the significant name they bear. 

Scrofula is believed to be amenable to this agent. 
Recently, several cures of this malady are reported to 
have occurred under its use. 

In chronic ophthalmic affections, gratifying results may 
be anticipated from the judicious use of these springs. 

In all the varieties of ulcers and local inflammations 
treated by this water, a new agent may be employed ; 
it is the topical application of the moss that grows 
luxuriantly in the baths and streams that flow from 
them. This has a peculiar effect. When applied to 
a diseased surface, it becomes painful, sometimes ex- 
ceedingly so ; and yet, upon inspection of the part, 
its redness has been dispelled, and a new and more 
healthy action established. When the application has 
been long continued, the surface becomes blanched 
and corrugated. 

In subacute rheutnatism these waters have acquired 
considerable reputation. For the relief of the suffer- 
ing, and to correct the morbid condition upon which 
it depends, they may often be employed, both exter- 
nally and internally, with benefit. 

The temperature of the water is not so high as to 
stimulate this form into the acute, nor so low as to en- 
danger the patient by sudden metastasis, while both 
effects are guarded against by its diuretic action, and 
its tendency to the bowels and skin. In the present 
instance, as in other cases, where it is desirable to give 
the water a decided direction to the bowels or skin, 
appropriate adjuvants should be employed. 



l 4 o MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

In neuralgia, a congener of the disease just con- 
sidered, the water is frequently found to be remedial, 
and, from its alleviation of the thrilling, piercing pain 
attendant upon this affection, one of the springs re- 
ceived long since the homely but expressive title of 
"Toothache Spring." It is to those cases, dependent 
upon general derangement of the system, resulting from 
a residence in unhealthy districts of country, or those 
that have their origin in nervous irritability, or spring 
from a gouty or rheumatic diathesis, that the water is 
adapted. 

Dyspepsia, that inveterate scourge of the sedentary 
and thoughtful, not unfrequently finds an antidote in 
these waters. 

For chronic thrush or aphthce, the Healing Springs 
have been employed with success. 

I have occasionally sent patients, suffering under 
chronic affections of the lining coat of the bowels, to this 
water with good effect. 

Leucorrhoza, and other kindred disorders of the 
female, when independent of malignant action, or 
actual displacement of organs, will often yield to the 
free internal and external use of the waters. 

Some of the diseases of the urinary organs are favor- 
ably controlled by these waters ; among which may be 
enumerated chronic irritation, with mucous discharges 
from the bladder. I have had occasion to be pleased 
with their effects in several such cases. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS. 

Analysis — Remarks on Analysis — The Name Alum a Misnomer, etc. — 
Therapeutic Effects of the Waters — Diseases in which they are em- 
ployed — Their Excellent Effects in Scrofula, etc. 

These springs are situated in the northern part of 
the county of Rockbridge, on the main turnpike road 
leading from the town of Lexington to the Warm 
Springs, seventeen miles from the former and about 
twenty- one from the latter. 

Small reservoirs cut in the rock receive the alum 
water as it percolates through a heavy cliff of slate- 
stone. There are five of these reservoirs or springs, all 
differing slightly from each other, and also differing 
from themselves at different times, being stronger, and 
the water also more abundant, in rainy weather. 

These waters were analyzed by Prof. Hayes, of Bos- 
ton, in 1852. 

From a gallon of the water he produced the follow- 
ing results : — 

Sulphate of potash 1.765 

Sulphate of lime 3.263 

Sulphate of magnesia 1.763 

Protoxide of iron 4.863 

Alumina 17.905 

Crenate of ammonia 0.700 

Chloride of sodium 1.008 

Silicic acid 2.840 

Free sulphuric acid 15.224 

Carbonic acid 7-356 

56.687 
Pure water 58315.313 

58372.000 
13 (l4l) 



I 4 2 



MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 



Alum waters are of somewhat recent introduction as 
remedial agents, and close practical observation is yet 
a desideratum as to their peculiar therapeutical agency 
and most appropriate medicinal applicability. These 
waters certainly possess unequivocal curative powers, 
and, although their reputation is now high, they are 
destined to advance still further in public confidence. 
Experience has fully shown that they are very effica- 
ciously used in many diseases of the skin and the gland- 
ular system, and that in scrofulous affections they offer 
new hopes to the afflicted. 

But the name Alum, applied to these springs, while it 
is intended to conform to the general spring nomen- 
clature of calling springs after some one of their leading 
ingredients, is, medically considered, a misnomer, and 
conveys the erroneous idea that their virtues are owing 
to the alum they hold in solution. 

Chemically considered, they are an aluminous sul- 
phaled chalybeate, containing, as will be seen from their 
analysis, many of the best materials that are found 
in the most valued mineral waters of Europe or this 
country. The protoxides of iron, sodium, potash, lime, 
magnesia, and ammonia, together with sulphuric, car- 
bonic, crenic, chloric, and silicic acids, exist in the 
water in common with alum. Some of these ingre- 
dients are found in the most distinguished of the 
English and German waters, particularly in those of 
Tunbridge, Harrogate, Leamington, and Aix-la-Cha- 
pelle, as well as in the waters of the famous Spa, in 
Belgium; in those of Passy, and in the celebrated 
springs of Bagneres, in Garonne ; all of which have 
acquired a world-wide celebrity for the cure of many 
diseases for which the Rockbridge Alum has been suc- 
cessfully prescribed. 

The fact should always be borne in mind by those 
who are investigating mineral waters, that it is rather 
to the compound, than to any single ingredient of a 
mineral water, that we are to look for its medicinal 



ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS. 



143 



efficiency and the scope of its applicability. That 
alum is an important ingredient in the compound of 
this water I do not mean to question, but that it is so 
transcendently important as to give name to the spring 
is very questionable. It is said that a rose by any 
other name will smell as sweet, and so will this alumi- 
nous sulphated chalybeate be just as efficacious under the 
appellation of Alum. But the real objection to the 
misnomer lies behind this, and exists in the fact that 
it is calculated to mislead the uninitiated, in the ab- 
sence of analysis or careful inquiry. Indeed, I have 
reason to know that persons have not unfrequently 
been disinclined to visit the Alum, influenced by the 
name alone, and under the impression that the water, 
as its name imports, would act as an astringent, and 
therefore be hurtful to them. 

But whether the name be, or be not, the best that 
could have been adopted, it is now a fixture, established 
by many years' usage, and is not likely to be changed ; 
and my only object in calling attention to the subject 
is to enter a caution against persons being misled as 
to the character of the water from the mere name of 
the spring. 

The immediate effects of these waters, under their 
full and kindly influences upon the system, are those of 
a febrifuge tonic; resembling the action of some of our 
best vegetable medicines of that class ; but superior to 
them, from their specific tendency to the bowels and 
kidneys. 

By their diffusible astringent and tonic powers they 
resolve the congestions of engorged viscera and re- 
move subacute inflammations ; thus releasing and giving 
activity to the fluids, they fill up the superficial capil- 
laries and veins, and give a full, slow pulse, with a 
warm surface, and soft skin. 

They purge mildly, perhaps, two-thirds of the per- 
sons that use them' freely. Their action upon the 
kidneys is generally prompt, sure, and sometimes active. 



144 



MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 



Their action upon the skin is secondary, and is the 
result of their sanative action upon the blood-vessels 
and internal organs, by resolving inflammation and 
congestions, — and hence is always to be regarded as a 
favorable indication in the case. 

Experience has shown that these waters are effi- 
caciously prescribed in many diseases of the skin and 
glandular system; lupus and other malignant ulcera- 
tions of the mouth and throat have been cured by 
them. 

In various chronic affections of the digestive organs 
they are advantageously used. 

They are valuable in mesenteric affections, particu- 
larly in persons, old or young, of scorbutic tendencies. 

In chronic diarrhoea they display speedy and happy 
effects. 

Being prompt and active as a diuretic, when judi- 
ciously used, they are found beneficial in chronic irrita- 
tions, and debility of the kidney, bladder, and urethra. 

To several of the affections commonly known as 
female diseases they are happily adapted. In leucor- 
rhoza, as would readily be inferred from their com- 
position, they are an admirable remedy; often curing 
that disease, although it has been a complaint of long 
standing. In menorrhagia, unattended with plethora 
of the blood-vessels, and with the system in a condition 
to bear tonics, they may be prescribed with confidence. 
In a?nenorrho3a and dysme7iorrhcea, where a phlogosed 
state of the system does not contra-indicate the use of 
mineral tonics, they may be used to eminent advantage. 
In the chlorotic condition of the female system gen- 
erally, and especially when the tendency is great to 
paucity or poverty of blood, the waters will be used to 
much advantage. 

In ancemic conditions generally, and in cases of 
debility and loss of tone in the nervous system, they 
may be administered with confidence. 

Bro7ichitis, when in connection with a strumous 



ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS. 



145 



diathesis, may be treated by these waters to advan- 
tage ; in such cases they will be found to be one of 
our best remedies. 

In gastralgia, or nervous dyspepsia, they often act 
kindly and effectively, by changing the action of the 
mucous membrane and relieving it of its subacute 
irritation. 

They actively promote the appetite and invigorate 
the digestive powers. 

But it is especially in scrofula that these waters 
have won their highest honors and established a repu- 
tation among the best mineral waters not only of this 
country but of the world. Their happy combination 
of tonic, alterative, diuretic, and aperient qualities 
renders them an efficient remedy in many of the ills 
of humanity; but especially in the various forms of 
strumous disease, and even their worst forms, they 
merit confidence and deserve praise. In this formi- 
dable class of affections, whether exhibited in the 
hardened and enlarged glands, and in ulcerations in 
children, in ophthalmic inflammations, in mesenteric 
indurations, or in its more intense and pervading devel- 
opment of adult life, they have been extensively used, 
and generally with benefit to the sufferers. 

But let me not be misunderstood as intending to 
convey the impression that they will cure every case 
of this disease, whatever may be its seat, character, 
or combination ; both my judgment and experience 
fall short of this conclusion ; but they both concur 
in regarding the remedy as among the best, if not 
the very best, now known for scrofula. 

The Rockbridge Alum, as therapeutic water, is not 
a negative agent : its effects upon the system are posi- 
tive, direct, and palpable. It is, in a high sense of 
the term, a medicinal water, capable, when properly 
directed and applied, of doing great good in a wide 
circle of cases, or, when injudiciously used, of disap- 
pointing hopes and producing injury. It does not 
13* 



I 4 6 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

belong to that anomalous class of agents of which it is 
often said " they will do no harm if they do no good. ' ' 
Such being the potent character of these waters, the 
importance that cases which are to be submitted to 
their use should be carefully discriminated, and that 
the water should be employed under the direction of 
judgment and experience, must be apparent to all. 

JORDON ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS. 

This is the name given to a new alum spring just 
opened in the immediate vicinity of the old Rock- 
bridge Alum, and flowing from the same strata of slate 
formation that supply the water of the latter spring. 

The analysis of this water by Professor William Gil- 
ham shows that one gallon of it contains — 

Of silica 2.920 grains. 

Of sulphate of alumina S-689 " 

Of sulphate of magnesia 4.666 " 

Of sulphate of lime 3.808 " 

Of sulphate of protoxide of iron 8.398 " 

Of sulphate of potash 0.658 " 

Of free sulphuric acid 8.858 " 

Chloride of sodium, in small quantity, not deter- 
mined. 
Organic matter, not determined. 

The analysis of this spring, being very similar to 
that of the old Alum in its immediate neighborhood, 
shows its therapeutic applicabilities to be essentially 
the same as those of the latter water. Besides this alum, 
there is, near the hotel built on the property, a chalybeate 
spring, which has not been analyzed, but promises to 
be a valuable water of its class. 

There is also attached to this property another spring, 
known as Iodine Alum Water, which possesses valuable 
medicinal powers, and some peculiar to itself. The 
water of this spring is not only adapted to the treat- 
ment of the various diseases for which other alum waters 
are used, but also, from its highly alterative compo- 
sition, to be a reliable remedy in cases wherein those 
waters would be uncertain or inefficient. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

BATH ALUM SPRINGS. 

Analysis — Diseases and States of the System in which they may be 
Prescribed, etc. 

The Bath Alum Springs are situated near the east- 
ern base of the Warm Spring Mountain, on the main 
stage road leading from Staunton to the Warm Springs, 
forty-five miles west of the former and five miles east of 
the latter place. 

The valley in which they arise is an extensive cove, 
irregularly encircled by mountains, with an unproduc- 
tive sandy soil, and affords indications of salubrity and 
healthfulness. 

It is only within the last twenty-five years that these 
springs began to attract public attention as a mineral 
water ; and it is not more than twenty years since the 
grounds near the springs, now so elegantly and taste- 
fully improved, were a wild and primitive forest. The 
property is owned by Joseph Baxter, Esq., who gives 
his personal attention to its management. 

The improvements here are substantial and con- 
venient, affording comfortable accommodations for a 
large company. 

The Alum waters issue from a slate-stone cliff twelve 
or fifteen feet high, and are received into small reser- 
voirs, that have been excavated near each other in the 
rock. These different springs, or reservoirs, differ 
somewhat from each other. One of them is a very 
strong chalybeate, with but little alum; another is a 
milder chalybeate, with more alumina; while the others 

(147) 



I4 8 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

are alum of different degrees of strength, but all con- 
taining an appreciable quantity of iron. 

Prof. Hayes, of Boston, the same gentleman to whom 
we are indebted for the analysis of several of our min- 
eral springs, has analyzed the waters of the Bath Alum, 
and renders the following results from his chemical 
investigations. 

A standard gallon (58.372 grains) was the measure 
of water of the spring known as No. 2, used in his anal- 
ysis, and showed the following results : — 

Pure water 58317.206 

Free sulphuric acid 7-878 

Carbonic acid 3-846 

Sulphate of potash .258 

Magnesia 1.282 

Lime 2.539 

Protoxide of iron 21.776 

Alumina 12.293 

Crenate of ammonia 1.776 

Silicate of soda 3-*5o 

54-798 
Pure water 58317.202 

58372.000 

Mr. Hayes states that when much reduced in volume 
by evaporation, the excess of acid chars the organic 
acid present, and alters the composition of the salts. 

"In considering the composition of these waters, the 
protoxide of iron is assumed to be united to the sul- 
phuric acid. The change produced by heating is re- 
ferred to the action of the crenate of ammonia, and is 
the same as ordinarily where crenates, free from apo- 
crenates, are naturally contained in a water. When 
mixed with the soluble salts of silver, and exposed to 
light, the gray color is entirely distinct from that pro- 
duced by either apocrenates, humates, or any decom- 
posing matter. When the metallic silver and oxide of 
iron, resulting from the first action, are removed, the 
mixture by evaporation continues to afford brilliant 



BATH ALUM SPRINGS. 



149 



scales of metallic silver, until reduced to a small 
volume. 

'• The gaseous matter in these waters is a mixture of 
carbonic acid, nitrogen, and a small proportion of 
oxygen, and the measure is about one volume of the 
mixed gases to forty volumes of the water. The car- 
bonic acid is given by weight, so that a uniform expres- 
sion of acid relation is adopted, and no misconception 
can arise if the reader bears in mind the fact that car- 
bonic acid has more than twice the acid or neutralizing 
power possessed by the strongest fluid sulphuric acid." 

Dr. Strother, an intelligent physician, who long 
resided in the neighborhood, thought very favorably of 
these waters in scrofulous, eruptive, and dyspeptic affec- 
tions. ' He also bears testimony to their good effects in old 
hepatic derangements, chronic diarrhoea, chronic thrush, 
nervous debility, and in various uterine diseases, espe- 
cially in the worst forms of menorrhagia, and in Jluor 
albus, both uterine and vaginal. 

In chlorotic females, and in a broken-down condition 
of the nervous system, often in males the result of 
youthful improprieties, as well as when the system is 
ancemic, but free from obstinate visceral obstructions, 
this water promises to be very beneficial. 

Its high chalybeate and aluminous impregnation 
manifests decided tonic and astringent powers, and 
indicates its adaptation to a number of diseases, such 
as hemorrhages of the passive character, the profluvia, 
obstinate cutaneous and ulcerative diseases, and ancemic 
conditions of the system generally, that are unattended 
with visceral obstructions. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Rockbridge Baths — Cold Sulphur Springs — Variety Springs — Strib- 
ling's Springs. 

ROCKBRIDGE BATHS. 

This new Virginia spa is situated in the county of 
Rockbridge, on the stage road from Lexington to the 
Goshen Depot on the Central Railroad, and about 
equidistant from the two places. 

The waters of these baths are impregnated with iron, 
and abound richly in carbonic acid gas. There are 
here two bold springs, furnishing sufficient water for 
two bathing establishments. The property is hand- 
somely and conveniently improved, and capable of ac- 
commodating from one hundred and fifty to two hundred 
visitors. 

As a tonic bath, adapted to nervous diseases, general 
debility, and to that comprehensive class of cases found 
to be so essentially benefited by tonic bathing, — and 
especially after the use of alterative mineral waters, — 
these baths will be found highly efficacious, and are 
destined to be a favorite resort to a large class of invalids. 

They are conveniently reached, either from Lexing- 
ton or Goshen Depot, by stages running over well- 
graded roads. 

COLD SULPHUR SPRING. 

This is a very pleasant sulphur spring, about seven 
miles east of the Rockbridge Alum, and two miles west 
from Goshen Depot on the Central Railroad, in the 
county of Rockbridge. 

(150) 



VARIETY SPRINGS.— STRIPLING'S SPRINGS. 151 

The water of this spring has not been analyzed. It 
is distinctly sulphurous in character, however, and has 
acquired a considerable amount of favor as a medicinal 
agent. The spring is regarded as a place of useful and 
pleasant resort by those who visit it. 

The general medicinal adaptations of the water are 
the same as those of the other sulphurous waters of the 
country, which have been fully noticed in treating of 
the White Sulphur waters, etc. 

VARIETY SPRINGS. 

This name has been given to a series of fountains 
in close connection with each other, in the county of 
Augusta, seventeen miles west from the city of Staun- 
ton, and near the " Pond Gap" Station, on the Central 
Railroad. 

The name Variety, applied to them, seems to be well 
chosen, as there are here not only an alum and a cha- 
lybeate spring, and one of the peculiar characteristics 
of the Healing Spring in the county of Bath, but also 
several others differing from all these, whose precise 
character has not been well defined. 

These waters have been too short a time in use to 
have established a definite record of their medicinal 
virtues or adaptations ; nor have any of them, I be- 
lieve, been analyzed; their favorable location, how- 
ever, and the variety and promising character of their 
waters, bid fair to bring them prominently into public 
notice, and ultimately to induce the erection of such 
improvements as a growing patronage will demand. 

STRIBLING'S SPRINGS. 

These springs are in the county of Augusta, thirteen 
miles north of Staunton, from which they may be con- 
veniently reached by stage-coaches. 

For many years this place was valued mainly on ac- 



!52 



MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 



count of its sulphur and chalybeate waters, but within 
the last few years an alum spring of much promise has 
been opened near the sulphur fountain, and the place 
now presents the three varieties of Sulphur, Alum, and 
Chalybeate to the choice of the visitant. 

The Sulphur Spring has been long known as a safe 
and valuable water of its kind, efficacious for the various 
diseases for which such waters are generally employed. 

Professor Campbell, of Washington College, has ana- 
lyzed this spring, and produces the following results 
from a standard gallon of the water: — 

Carbonic acid gas 8.250 cubic in. 3.899 grains. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen gas 2.470 " 0.912 " 

Sulphate ofpotassa 0.441 " 

Sulphate of soda 0.812 " 

Chloride of sodium 0.610 " 

Carbonate of soda 1.203 " 

Carbonate of lime 5-517 " 

Carbonate of magnesia 3.864 " 

Phosphate of lime 0.002 " 

Silicate of soda 0-253 " 

Organic matter 1.229 " 

18.772 " 

The Alum Spring has also been analyzed by Pro- 
fessor Campbell, with the following results from a stand- 
ard gallon of the water : — 

Sulphate of iron 12.125 grains. 

Tersulphate of alumina 16.675 " 

Sulphate ofpotassa *-3 2 4 " 

Sulphate of lime 6.877 

Sulphate of magnesia 3-37 1 " 

Chloride of sodium 0.640 " 

Crenate of ammonia 0.630 " 

Silica I.5SO 

Free sulphuric acid 9.092 " 

Carbonic acidgas 3-575 " 

55-859 " 

A comparison of this analysis with that of the Rock 



STRIBLINGS SPRINGS. 



J 53 



bridge Alum shows a striking similarity, not only in 
the character of the ingredients contained in the two 
waters, but also in the relative proportion of such 
ingredients. 

While this water holds in solution a larger amount of 
sulphate of iron, magnesia, and lime, it contains some- 
what less of alumina, potassa, sodium, silica, and am- 
monia. The Rockbridge Alum, it will be seen, contains 
a greater weight of sulphuric and carbonic acid gas. 

While both public and professional opinion of the 
value of this water is very favorable, there seems, never- 
theless, not to have been any considerable amount of 
careful and practical observation of its peculiar thera- 
peutic effects, in a large circle of cases. 

But in the absence of such actual observation of its 
effects, the essential similarity of the water to the Rock- 
bridge waters, whose virtues and adaptations are now 
pretty well known, leaves no reasonable doubt of the 
great value of this spring, and indicates with a good 
deal of clearness its adaptations to the various forms of 
diseases so happily treated by the waters which it so 
much resembles in chemical composition. 



14 



CHAPTER XIX. 



Rawley's Spring — Massanetta Springs - 
Springs. 



Jordan's White Sulphur 



RAWLEY'S SPRING. 

Rawley's Spring is situated on the southern slope 
of the North Mountain, in the county of Rockingham, 
twelve miles northwest from Harrisonburg, and about 
one hundred and twenty miles northeast from the White 
Sulphur. 

The Rawley water is a compound chalybeate, happily 
adapted, by the association of its medicinal ingredients, 
to act as an efficient tonic and alterative ; and its suc- 
cessful administration for many years proves that it 
possesses curative properties beyond those of an ordi- 
nary ferruginous tonic. 

The following is Professor Mallet's chemical exami- 
nation of this water: — 



Protoxide of iron 1.3214 grs. per Imp'l gallon. 

Protoxide of manganese 0122 " 

Alumina 0514 " 

Magnesia 3874 " 

Lime 3536 " 

Lithia (detected by spectroscope) trace. 

Soda 3065 

Potash 0721 " 

Ammonia trace. 

Sulphuric acid 5208 " 

Chlorine 0315 " 

Silicic acid 8163 " 

Carbonic acid (combined) 1.5624 " 

Organic matter (including humoid 

acids) 3531 " 

(154) 



^ 



P 3 

[PTI 



^ 




RAWLEY'S SPRING. 1 55 

The gases dissolved are as follows : — 

Carbonic acid 7.42 cubic inches per Imperial gallon. 

Oxygen 2.07 " " " " 

Nitrogen 4.18 " " " " 

The protoxide of iron in the water of the two other 
springs was determined as follows: — 

Smaller fountain I-I777 grains per Imperial gallon. 

Upper spring 1.5290 " " " 

This analysis, showing that the water not only con- 
tains protoxide of iron, with carbonic acid in excess, but 
also that it contains silicic acid, alumina, manganese, 
magnesia, soda, lithia, amtnonia, sulphuric acid, chlorine, 
and potash, evidences that it is not only tonic but also 
alterative in its powers. It may be hopefully looked to 
as remedial in chronic disease generally which is at- 
tended with low and deficient vital action ; and espe- 
cially in chronic anaemia, chlorosis, hysteria, fluor albus, 
dyspeptic depravities, passive hemorrhages, nervous 
diseases, and particularly in a large class of female dis- 
orders depending upon uterine derangement, with de- 
ficiency of vital force, and, indeed, in chronic maladies 
generally that are connected with paucity or poverty 
of blood, and consequent weakness of the general 
system. 

Comparing the natural constituents of healthy human 
blood with the leading ingredients contained in this 
water, it is not difficult to account for its adaptedness as 
an alterative and restorer of that fluid, and for its effi- 
ciency as a tonic to the relaxed and enervated system 
generally. 

The writer has had considerable professional expe- 
rience for many years in the direction of this water for 
his patients, either as a primary or secondary remedy in 
their cases, and the results have been generally very 
favorable to the agent as a restorative and invigorating 
tonic. 



156 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

It is not only as a primary and independent remedy 
that these waters are valuable. In various diseases of 
the abdominal viscera, and other affections, in which 
the primary use of thermal and strong alterative sulphur 
waters is required, and is essential to the cure of the 
case as a first remedy, the subsequent use of these waters, 
to finish up the case by restoring the wasted energies 
of the system long debilitated by disease, is often a 
matter of the greatest consequence to the patient. 

The accommodations at this place have recently been 
much enlarged, and are now sufficient for the entertain- 
ment of four or five hundred persons. 

The Rawley Springs are reached in one day from 
Baltimore, by way of the Manassas Gap Railroad to 
Harrisonburg, or by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 
via Winchester. The Southern and Western traveler 
may reach them conveniently from Staunton. 

MASSANETTA SPRINGS, 

formerly known as "Taylor's," are in the county of 
Rockingham, near the Peaks of Massanetta Mountain, 
and four or five miles east of Harrisonburg. 

These springs have been long known as possessing 
medicinal virtues, and especially for dyspeptic deprav- 
ities, and for the cure of agues of long standing, and 
other chronic malarial influences. 

The waters are believed to be alkaline, and strongly 
magnesian. Prof. Rogers, upon a qualitative examina- 
tion, reports them to contain chlorine, iron, arsenic, 
potassium, sodium, lime, iodine, and magnesia. 

While the medicinal effects of these waters have not 
as yet been sufficiently tested to make for them a reli- 
able and extensive therapeutic record, they have, never- 
theless, so decidedly evinced curative powers as to 
cause them to be favorably regarded among the mineral 
waters of the country. 

The proprietors of these springs are preparing to 



JORDAN'S WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 157 

open them more extensively for public use than hereto- 
fore. 

JORDAN'S WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

These springs are in Frederick County, Virginia, 
five miles from the town of Winchester, and one and a 
half from Stephenson's Depot, a point on the Win- 
chester and Harper's Ferry Railroad. They are situ- 
ated in a small valley, surrounded by hills of no great 
altitude. The earth in the vicinity of the springs is 
blended with slate, very porous, and readily absorbs all 
the water that falls upon it. Hence it is as remark- 
able for its dryness as is the neighborhood for its ex- 
emption from vapors and fogs. The grounds about 
the springs are well covered with grass, are sufficiently 
extensive for pleasant promenades, and, withal, are 
shaded by a variety of ornamental trees. 

The spring, although not one of great boldness, af- 
fords in abundance a mild, pleasant sulphur water, of 
the temperature of 57 Fahr., which is said not to be 
influenced either in quantity or temperature by wet or 
dry, hot or cold, weather. 

The fountain is inclosed by marble slabs, and shaded 
by an octagonal structure, supported by large pillars. 

These waters have never been analyzed, though they 
will probably be found, judging from the geological 
position of the fountain, as well as from the sensible 
properties of the water itself, to contain less lime than 
many of our sulphur waters, and, therefore, more free 
from the harsh ingredients imparted by the sulphate 
and carbonate of that mineral; while they hold in 
solution the other components usually found in our 
sulphur waters. If this suggestion be correct, it points 
them out as peculiarly valuable in gravel and the 
various chronic diseases of the kidneys, bladder, and 
urethra. 

Medicinally, the water acts as a diuretic and slight 
aperient. As an alterative, it is found to be valuable 

14* 



158 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

in the various forms of chronic disease in which sulphur 
waters are commonly beneficial. Among other dis- 
eases, dyspepsia and the various gastric derangements 
have derived benefit from its use. The same may be 
said of liver disease, hemorrhoids, disease of the skin, 
and rheumatism, especially when it proceeds from the 
use of mercury. Several gentleman have borne very 
decided testimony to the superior efficacy of these 
waters in gout, and their unirritating quality would seem 
to point them out as a valuable remedy in that disease. 
Physicians of eminence, long familiar with the use of 
this water, speak in high terms of its efficacy in jaundice, 
and in the functional derangements of the abdominal 
viscera generally ; also in the various chronic affec- 
tions of the skin ; in chronic irritation of the kidneys 
and bladder; in gleet, and especially in female sup- 
pressions, unattended with acute symptoms. 



CHAPTER XX. 

BATH OR BERKELEY SPRINGS. 

Early History — Baths and Bathing-Houses — Medical Properties of 
the Waters — Diseases for which used, etc. — Capon Springs. 

The Berkeley Springs are situated in the town of 
Bath, Morgan County, West Virginia, two miles and a 
half from Sir John's Depot, a point on the Baltimore 
and Ohio Railroad one hundred and thirty miles west 
of Baltimore and forty-nine miles east of Cumberland. 

These springs were resorted to by invalids at a very 
early period, and had great celebrity throughout the 
Colonies. Hundreds annually flocked thither from all 
quarters, and traditional accounts of the accommoda- 
tions and amusements of those primitive times are calcu- 
lated to excite both the mirth and envy of the present 
age. Rude log huts, board and canvas tents, and even 
covered wagons, served as lodging-rooms, while every 
party brought its own substantial provisions of flour, 
meat, and bacon, depending for lighter articles of diet 
on the "Hill folk," or the success of their own fora- 
gers. A large hollow scooped in the sand, surrounded 
by a screen of pine brush, was the only bathing-house ; 
and this was used alternately by ladies and gentlemen. 
The time set apart for the ladies was announced by a 
blast on a long tin horn, at which signal all of the op- 
posite sex retired to a prescribed distance, and woe to 
any unlucky wight who might be found within the 
magic circle ! 

The whole scene is said to have resembled a camp- 

(159) 



160 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

meeting in appearance ; but only in appearance. Here 
day and night passed in a round of eating and drink- 
ing, bathing, fiddling, dancing, and reveling. Gaming 
was carried to a great excess, and horse-racing was a 
daily amusement. 

Such were the primitive accommodations at the first 
watering-place that was opened in Virginia, and such 
the recreations and amusements of our forefathers, 
about the eventful period that ushered us as a nation 
into the world. 

Berkeley has now extensive and convenient improve- 
ments, and a summer registry of from twelve to fifteen 
hundred visitors. 

Although these waters possess considerable medical 
virtues when taken internally, they have been most 
celebrated as a bath ; their pleasant thermal tempera- 
ture, from 72 to 74 Fahr., in connection with other 
properties, adapting them, as such, to a wide range of 
diseases. They have never been accurately analyzed, 
but the presence of purgative and diuretic salts has 
been ascertained, though the impregnation is not strong 
and the amount is uncertain. 

Internal Use. — This water is tasteless, insipid from 
its warmth, and so light in its character that very 
large quantities may be taken on the stomach without 
producing oppression or uneasiness. Persons generally 
become fond of it after a time ; and when cooled it is 
a delightful beverage. It is beneficial in several of the 
chronic and subacute disorders, such as derangements 
of the stomach, with impaired appetite and feeble di- 
gestion unconnected with any considerable degree of 
organic disease. Its salutary effects in these cases would 
seem to depend upon the exceedingly light character 
of the waters and their gentle alkaline properties, neu- 
tralizing acidity and invigorating and soothing the 
viscera. 

In the early stages of calculous diseases, attended with 



CAPON SPRINGS. 161 

irritable bladder, their free use internally and exter- 
nally is frequently of benefit. 

External Use. — Externally used, these waters are 
beneficial in the whole class of nervous disorders that 
are disconnected with a full plethoric habit, extreme 
debility, or severe organic derangements. 

In cases of relaxed habit and debility, where suffi- 
cient power of reaction exists in the system, the tonic 
and bracing influences of plunges in this water will be 
very invigorating. 

Persons suffering from a residence in a warm, low, 
and damp climate, and subject to nervous affections, 
will be benefited by the use of the baths. 

To the various chronic affections of the mucous mem- 
branes, especially leucorrhcea, gleet, etc., as well as to 
that peculiar form of bronchitis which depends upon a 
relaxed condition of the membranes, with general want 
of tone in the nervous system, the water and baths are 
highly beneficial. The same may be said as to local 
paralytic affections, if unconnected with congestion of 
the brain, or cerebral tendencies. 

In mildly chronic or subacute rheumatism, the bath 
has long enjoyed a high reputation. Many intelligent 
persons who have long been familiar with its use, place 
great reliance on it in this class of cases. 

CAPON SPRINGS. 

At the western base of the North Mountain, in the 
county of Hampshire, seventeen miles east of Romney, 
and twenty-two northwest of Winchester, whence they 
may be reached by a well-graded but mountainous road, 
are the Capo?i Springs. They are situated in a narrow 
vale not far distant from the Capon River, and sur- 
rounded by a rugged and romantic mountain scenery, 
perhaps unsurpassed in trossach wildness by any in Vir- 
ginia. The region is high and healthy, and the sources 



1 62 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

of amusement (often of consequence to the invalid), 
and especially those of trout and river fishing, together 
with the excitement of the mountain chase, are unsur- 
passed at any of our watering-places. 

The improvements at Capon are extensive, affording 
accommodation for about seven hundred and fifty per- 
sons. 

The bathing establishment here is well designed and 
handsome, affording twenty bathing-rooms for gentle- 
men and seventeen for ladies, with comfortable parlors 
for the use of the bathers. The baths are made of brick, 
coated with hydraulic cement. Shower and douche 
baths, and artificial warm baths, are also supplied. 

The spring affords about one hundred gallons of 
water per minute. The temperature of the water as it 
flows from the fountain is 66° Fahr. ; in the reservoir 
that supplies the baths, about 64 . 

The water is essentially tasteless and inodorous. Ex- 
cept in its thermal character, it cannot be compared to 
that of any of the springs in our great spring region. 
It more resembles the waters of the Berkeley than any 
of our other springs. As a bath and a beverage, it 
will, when properly directed, be found very useful in a 
wide range of diseases, especially in idiopathic affec- 
tions of the nervous system, dyspeptic depravities, chronic 
derangement of the mucous surfaces, etc. It has ac- 
quired reputation, and I believe justly, as a remedy in 
gravel and other derangements of the urinary organs. 
It is a valuable water, and is destined to increase in 
favor with the spring-going public. 

The Capon waters have been analyzed by Dr. Charles 
Carter, of Philadelphia, and their principal medicinal 
ingredients ascertained to be — 



Silicic acid, 


Magnesia, 


Soda, 


Bromine, 


Carbonic acid gas, 


Iodine. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Coiner's Black and White Sulphur — Roanoke Red Sulphur— John- 
son's Springs — Blue Ridge Springs — Alleghany Springs — Mont- 
gomery White Sulphur Springs. 

COINER'S WHITE AND BLACK SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

These springs are situated at the western base of the 
Blue Ridge Mountain, on the line between the coun- 
ties of Botetourt and Roanoke, on the borders of one 
of the most delightful and fertile regions of Virginia. 
They are immediately on the line of the Virginia and 
Tennessee Railroad, and within a mile of Bonsack's 
Depot, fifty miles west from Lynchburg. 

These springs, as a public resort, are a product of 
the recent rapid spring development in Virginia, having 
been brought into public notice within the last fifteen 
years. 

My personal observation of their effects in health and 
disease is too limited to enable me to speak positively 
of their medicinal peculiarities or powers, and, in the 
absence of an analysis, prudence restricts me from con- 
sidering their therapeutic character, except in the light 
of analogy, and from the experience of their use by a 
few gentlemen who seem to be well qualified to judge 
of their powers. From such light, I believe these 
waters will be found a safe and beneficial remedy in a 
large class of cases usually successfully treated by the 
mild sulphur waters that exist in the same general geo- 
logical region. 



!64 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 



ROANOKE RED SULPHUR SPRING. 

This is one of the new places of valetudinary and 
pleasure resorts which the recent ardor for spring im- 
provement has brought to the public view. 

It is situated in the county of Roanoke, on the road 
from the town of Salem to the Sweet Springs, ten miles 
from the former, and about forty from the latter place. 

It is called Red Sulphur from the color of its de- 
posits, and from its supposed resemblance, as a medici- 
nal agent, to the old Red Sulphur in the county of 
Monroe. 

The waters of this fountain have not been analyzed, 
nor have they as yet so far made out their medical 
record of applicabilities and cures as to enable me to 
speak of them with such particularity as I could desire. 

They are mild and pleasant sulphurous waters, and 
no doubt will be found well adapted to a numerous 
class of cases successfully treated by such waters. 

JOHNSON'S SPRINGS,' 

now better known as ITollins's Institute, are in Roanoke 
County, eight miles east of Salem. They are mild and 
pleasant sulphur waters. I find these springs, by a 
qualitative analysis, to contain twenty-eight grains of 
solid matter to the Imperial gallon, consisting of the 
sulphates of soda and magnesia, with the chlorides of 
calcium and sodium. 

This property is extensively and handsomely im- 
proved, and, except during the summer months, is 
occupied as a female seminary. 

THE BLUE RIDGE SPRING 

is in the county of Botetourt, and immediately on the 
Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, seventeen miles east 
of Salem. The water of this spring is strongly saline 



ALLEGHANY SPRINGS. 165 

in character, and very much resembles, both in its 
composition and its medicinal effects, the water of the 
Alleghany Springs in the county of Montgomery. 



ALLEGHANY SPRINGS. 

Alleghany Springs are on the south fork of Roanoke 
River, in the county of Montgomery, three miles south 
of the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad, at 
Shawsville. 

In the nomenclature of mineral waters, they properly 
belong to the class known as saline. In local situa- 
tion, they occupy a central position, geographically 
and geologically, of the great mineral range extending 
from Harper's Ferry in the north, to the Chilhowee 
Mountains in the south. All along this entire range 
this class of waters is found; varying somewhat in their 
ingredients, but all essentially belonging to the same 
general class. Nor is this valuable class of waters found 
in any other portion of our continent in the same 
abundance and purity. 

The springs that represent the extremes of this ex- 
tensive geological range are the Montvale, in Blount 
County, Tennessee, and the S/iannondale, in Jeffer- 
son County, West Virginia, more than four hundred 
and fifty miles apart. In the intermediate space be- 
tween these extremes, evidences are afforded in various 
places along the mountains of the existence of similar 
waters ; but their existence in purity and in sufficient 
quantity for general use has only been demonstrated 
and brought before the public in the springs of " Shan- 
nondale, ' ' ' i Blue Ridge, ' ' " Yellow, "and ' 'Alleghany, ' ' 
in Virginia, and " Tate's" and "Montvale" in Ten- 
nessee. 

In the class of saline waters are comprised those 
springs that contain a sufficient amount of neutral salts 
to occasion the marked effects of such agents, and 
especially purgative operations. 

15 



1 66 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

Such waters exert but an inconsiderable effect upon 
the sanguiferous and nervous systems, their efficacy 
mainly depending on their laxative and purgative 
operations, by which the alimentary canal is excited 
to copious secretions, and the secretory functions of 
the liver and pancreas are stimulated to pour out their 
appropriate fluids ; besides, like other mineral waters, 
they are absorbed, and conveyed through the whole 
course of the circulation, and are applied in their 
medical efficacy to the capillary tissues and glandular 
organs. The sympathy between the digestive canal, 
upon which they operate primarily, and all the other 
organs of the body, prepares us for witnessing the 
happy effects which they often exert upon the latter 
organs by their direct effects upon the former. 

Where no considerable irritation or inflammation 
exists in the mucous membrane of the stomach and 
bowels, saline mineral waters will be found valuable 
in relieving congestion or irritation of distant organs : 
first, by copious evacuation of fluids ; and second, by 
derivation of blood from them to the superficies of the 
portal system.* Affections of the head, chest, skin, and 
joints will often be greatly benefited by their prudent 
use. 

From the absorption of saline matters contained in 
such waters, and possibly from the force of sympathy 
from other organs, the secretions of the kidneys and 
skin are commonly much increased. Such results, 
often highly beneficial, generally ensue from doses 
falling short of the quantity usually taken to produce 
active purging. 

The waters of the Alleghany Springs, like all waters 
of the saline class, purge mildly or actively, in propor- 
tion to the quantity drunk and the peristaltic excita- 
bility of the bowels. Simply as a purgative, they are 
very superior in many chronic diseases to the drugs 
ordinarily used for this purpose, and principally in 

* Bell. 



ALLEGHANY SPRINGS. 



167 



this, that the invalid can keep up their action upon 
the bowels for a number of days without suffering that 
debility of the constitution and loss of appetite which 
so constantly occur from a similar course of the ordi- 
nary purging drugs. 

In small and aperient doses, they often act most 
beneficially on the functions of the skin and kidneys, 
and especially if the warm bath and gentle exercise be 
connected with their use. Administered in the same 
way, we sometimes witness very pleasant influences 
from these waters upon the mucous surfaces, as well as 
upon the serous, synovial, and fibrous membranes. 
Such results are sometimes witnessed in chronic ca- 
tarrh, rheumatic affections of the joints, etc. 

The Alleghany water has been analyzed by Dr. F. A. 
Genth, of Philadelphia. He found one gallon, 70,000 
grains, to contain — 

Sulphate of magnesia 50.884290 grains. 

Sulphate of lime 115.294022 

Sulphate of soda 1. 717959 

Sulphate of potassa 3.699081 

Carbonate of copper 0.000359 

Carbonate of lead 0.000569 

Carbonate of zinc 0.001713 

Carbonate of iron 0.157049 

Carbonate of manganese 0.060617 

Carbonate of lime 3.613209 

Carbonate of magnesia 0.362362 

Carbonate of strontia 0.060536 

Carbonate of baryta 0.022404 

Carbonate of lithia 0.001679 

Nitrate of magnesia 3.219562 

Nitrate of ammonia 0.559412 

Phosphate of alumina 0.025549 

Silicate of alumina 0.207399 

Fluoride of calcium 0.022858 

Chloride of sodium 0.274676 

Silicic acid 0.882782 

Crenic acid 0.00 1921 

Apocrenic acid 0.000192 

Other organic matter 1.999121 

Carbonate of cobalt 1 

Teroxide of antimony j races - 



183.069321 



1 68 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

Solid ingredients by direct evaporation gave ...184.072000 grains. 

Half-combined carbonic acid 1.885526 " 

Free carbonic acid 5.455726 

Hydro-sulphuric acid 0.001339 " 

Total amount of ingredients 190.411912 " 



The medicinal effects of these waters are mildly laxa- 
tive or actively purging, in proportion to the quantity- 
drunk and the excitability of the bowels. 

Simply as a purgative, they are vastly superior in 
chro?iic disease to the ordinary drugs of the apothecary: 
principally in this, that the invalid may keep up their 
action upon the bowels for a number of days without 
suffering that general debility or loss of appetite which 
so constantly occurs from a similar course of the ordi- 
nary purging medicines. 

In small or aperie?it doses they act kindly and bene- 
ficially upon the kidneys and skin, and especially when 
gentle exercise is connected with their use. 

Administered in the same guarded way, they exert 
a happy influence upon the mucous surfaces, as well as 
upon the serous, synovial, and fibrous membranes. 
Such influences are witnessed in chronic catarrh, mu- 
cous diarrhoea, rheumatic affections of the joints, etc. 

They both primarily and secondarily exert favor- 
able influences upon the glandular secretions. This is 
sometimes marked in the relief they afford in jaun- 
dice and other diseases of the glandular structures. 

In dyspepsia they have acquired a more established 
reputation, perhaps, than in any other form of disease, 
mainly, we presume, from the fact that they have been 
more extensively employed in this than in any other 
single form of disease. 

Dyspepsia is multiform, both in its causes and its 
pathology, and hence no one remedy is equally well 
adapted to all its forms and phases. But as a gen- 
eral remedy, adapted to meet the general want in the 
various dyspeptic depravities, this water occupies a de- 



ALLEGHANY SPRINGS. 169 

cidedly high position among the most valued remedies 
in such cases. 

I by no means intend to assert that this or any other 
mineral water, or any article of the apothecary, is an 
infallible remedy in all dyspeptic cases ; such a position 
would be alike extravagant and uncandid. But I fully 
indorse the truthful results of experience, that such 
waters are among our best remedies in all such cases ; 
always safe when prudently used, and often effective 
where the usual remedies of the profession have failed. 

If called upon to say in what particular form of 
dyspepsia these waters may be most relied upon, I 
would say in cases attended with mucous secretions, 
and which often develop alarming palpitations and 
other unpleasant neuralgic affections. But I by no 
means regard their efficacy in dyspepsia as limited to 
such cases. 

In chronic mucous diarrhoea, alike common and fatal 
in our southern latitudes, the prudent use of this water 
is eminently proper. In all cases of this kind the 
water should be used in small and frequently repeated 
doses, and its influence upon the secreting surfaces 
encouraged by the occasional use of a warm bath when 
such an adjunct can be commanded. A departure from 
this rule of prudence as to the quantity of the water to 
be used, would cause it rather to aggravate than benefit 
the case. 

In disorders of the kidneys, threatening calculous 
deposits, these waters may be looked to as a hopeful 
source of relief. Their efficacy in such cases may be 
attributed mainly to the alterative changes they effect 
in the blood and upon the secretory and absorbing 
functions, and to their increasing the flow of urine, 
thus giving an easier passage to the extraneous matter, 
which, when long retained, proves painful and injurious. 

These springs maybe conveniently reached from the 
East or South by railroad, by way of Lynchburg ; or 
from the Southwest by way of Knoxville. 
15* 



170 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

The improvements at the Alleghany are extensive 
and comfortable, affording accommodation for five or 
six hundred visitors. 



MONTGOMERY WHITE SULPHUR. 

The Montgomery White Sulphur are springs of some- 
what recent discovery and improvement. They are 
situated on the southern slope of the Alleghany Moun- 
tain, in the county of Montgomery, a few miles east 
of the town of Christiansburg, and at a short distance 
from the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad, from 
which to the springs a branch railroad has been con- 
structed by the owners of the springs. 

Persons visiting this place leave the Virginia and 
Tennessee Railroad at the Spring Depot, on the slope 
of the Alleghany, and take the company's railroad, on 
which, in a few minutes, they are conducted to their 
destination. 

These springs are extensively and conveniently im- 
proved, and favorably situated for cool and pleasant 
summer residence. The waters, being distinctly sul- 
phurous in character, and withal a bland and pleasant 
beverage, will be found adapted to a large number of 
chronic affections that are known to be advantageously 
treated by sulphur waters generally. They are some- 
what less cathartic, and also less stimulant, than many 
sulphur waters, and hence may be used with more free- 
dom and with greater safety than such waters, by deli- 
cate and excitable persons. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Yellow Sulphur Springs — Pulaski Alum Spring — Grayson Sulphur 
Springs — Holston Springs. 

YELLOW SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

These springs are pleasantly situated in an elevated 
and picturesque part of the county of Montgomery, 
and are surrounded by variegated and interesting 
scenery and a productive and prosperous agricultural 
country. They are three and a half miles from the 
Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad, at Christians- 
burg Depot, from which they may be reached on a well- 
graded road. 

The spring rises on the east side of the Alleghany, 
and not more than sixty feet below the summit level of 
that mountain, and its waters flow into the North fork 
of the Roanoke, which is two miles distant. In con- 
sequence of the great altitude of the spring, the climate 
in which it is situated is very salubrious, the air being 
elastic, pure, and invigorating during the hottest days 
of summer. The water is clear, transparent, and very 
cool, its temperature being about 55 Fahrenheit. 

The spring is very bold, yielding 3600 gallons a day, 
sufficient to furnish an abundance of water for warm 
and hot baths, a means of using the water highly ad- 
vantageous to many invalid visitors. In running over 
rough channels, as well as on the bottom and sides of 
the spring inclosure, it deposits a brownish-yellow sedi- 
ment ; a bluish sediment is also occasionally observed, 
supposed to be ^prussiate of iron. After standing in 
an open vessel for some twelve or fifteen hours, it loses 
its styptic taste, becomes flat, and deposits a small 
quantity of its characteristic sediment. 

(no 



172 



MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 



The improvements at the Yellow Sulphur Springs 
are very comfortable ; the buildings are pleasantly ar- 
ranged, and combine elegance with convenience. Many 
of the rooms, as well as the spring and the pleasure- 
grounds, are delightfully shaded by magnificent forest 
trees. 

Under the name of " Taylor's Springs," or " Yellow 
Sulphur Springs," this watering-place has been well 
known and much visited by invalids, for nearly seventy 
years. As early as 1810 it attracted considerable atten- 
tion, and had numerous visitors, especially from East- 
ern Virginia and North Carolina. 

In 1855 it was analyzed by Prof. Gilham, who says 
he finds one gallon to contain — 

Carbonate of lime 8.642 grains. 

Carbonate of magnesia 1-389 " 

Carbonate of protoxide of iron 0.617 " 

Free carbonic acid 4.680 " 

Sulphate of lime 65.302 " 

Sulphate of magnesia 21.098 " 

Sulphate of alumina 3-176 " 

Sulphate of potash 0.107 " 

Sulphate of soda o-75° " 

Protoxide of iron traces. 

Phosphate of lime 0.015 " 

Phosphate of magnesia o.on " 

Chloride of potassium 0.097 " 

Chloride of sodium 0.076 " 

Organic extractive matter 3-733 " 

While this water is decidedly tonic, diuretic, and mildly 
purgative in its action, its peculiar composition gives 
it also decided alterative qualities, to the sanative in- 
fluences of which, many of its best effects are to be 
attributed. 

From seven to eight tumblers, taken at intervals, 
will usually create a mild cathartic effect ; as a diuretic 
it is active ; but its evident range of usefulness will be 
found in its valuable tonic and alterative properties. 
As a beverage it lies lightly and comfortably upon the 
stomach, when drunk even in large quantities. With 



YELLOW SULPHUR SPRLNGS. 



173 



many persons, especially on commencing its use, it 
occasions slight excitation both of the physical and 
mental system, evidenced by a flushing of the face, a 
pleasant glow over the body, some increase of the fre- 
quency of the pulse, and of the animal spirits. 

The alterative effects of the water are more certainly 
obtained by taking it in moderately small, rather than 
in large, quantities, at each period of drinking; — in 
quantities that will not provoke very decided operations 
either upon the bowels or kidneys. 

Its tendency to increase the appetite and promote 
digestion is very uniform. 

In dyspepsia, the water has sometimes produced highly 
beneficial effects. 

In that class of female complaints demanding the use 
of tonics, it is an efficacious remedy, and has often 
proved successful. 

In diseases of the skin, especially in the various 
forms of herpes, it is said to display highly curative 
powers. 

In old ulcers it has been found beneficial ; obstinate 
cases of many years' standing have been successfully 
treated by the water, used both externally and inter- 
nally, that had for years resisted the efforts of surgery. 

In chronic diarrhoea it is much relied upon by those 
who have had most experience in its use. Doctors 
Edie, Wade, Black, and other intelligent physicians 
residing in the neighborhood of the springs, and who 
have often prescribed the water in this class of cases, 
commend it very highly. 

In general debility, connected with nervous prostra- 
tion, and unattended with serious visceral obstructions, 
it will always be found a valuable remedy. 

Extensive improvements are now in progress at these 
springs, and among others a large and commodious 
hotel, which, when completed, will greatly increase their 
capacity for accommodating company, as well as the 
comfort of visitors. Such increase of accommodation 



174 



MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 



had become a necessity in consequence of the immense 
visitation to the place within the last five years. 

The altitude of these springs, — upwards of 2000 feet 
above the sea-level, — the cool and invigorating sum- 
mer climate with which they are blessed, and especially 
their well-tested and valuable tonic and alterative water, 
adapted, as long use of it has shown, to a wide circle 
of diseases, must always render them a very pleasant 
and advantageous summer resort, and fully justify the 
enterprise of the proprietors in making large additional 
improvements. 

PULASKI ALUM SPRING. 

This spring is situated in the northwest portion of 
the county of Pulaski, ten miles from Dublin Depot, 
on the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad. 

This water has not been analyzed, but it very much 
resembles, both in its sensible qualities and its medi- 
cinal operations, the water of the Rockbridge Alum. 
It enjoys a high reputation in its neighborhood as a 
remedy for scrofula, cutaneous diseases, and other 
affections for which the alum waters of Rockbridge 
have become celebrated. 

GRAYSON SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

The Grayson Sulphur Springs are on the west side of 
the Blue Ridge, in the county of Carroll, twenty miles 
south of Wytheville. They rise on the banks of New 
River, in the midst of scenery remarkable for its wild- 
ness and grandeur, — in a region as salubrious and in- 
vigorating as any in our country. 

These waters are decidedly sulphurous, and have been 
found useful in dyspeptic depravities, and the various 
chronic derangements of the chylopoetic viscera. Their 
earliest reputation, which has been well maintained, was 
in the cure of rheumatism. For all chronic diseases of 



HOLS TON SPRINGS. 175 

the skin, especially for salt rheum, herpes, and tetters, 
they will be found efficacious ; for chronic forms of 
liver disease they are well adapted; and I am informed 
by highly respectable medical authorities that they have 
displayed the happiest effects in numerous cases of 
amenorrhcea, and in chlorotic conditions of the female 
system. 

There is, quite near the Sulphur Spring, a good 
chalybeate, which may be used to advantage in many 
cases ; and in nervous affections and female diseases 
it will be beneficial to drink it moderately, in connec- 
tion with the sulphur water. 

The Grayson waters have been analyzed by Professor 
Rogers. He shows that in a given quantity of their 
solid contents there are found — 

Soda 4 grains. 

Carbonate of magnesia 3 " 

Carbonate of lime 8 " 

Sulphate of lime 2 " 

Sulphate of magnesia 3 " 

Chloride of sodium 2 " 

Chloride of calcium 3 

Chloride of magnesium if " 

Sulphate of soda 4^ " 

Sulphuretted hydrogen and carbonic acid abound in 
the water. 

HOLSTON SPRINGS. 

The Holston Springs are in the county of Scott, in 
the extreme southwestern angle of the State, near the 
Tennessee line, forty miles from Abington, and thirty 
east of Rogersville, Tennessee. They are on the bank 
of the North fork of the Holston River, in a wild and 
romantic region of country. 

One of these springs comes within the thermal range, 
being 68. 5 ° Fahr., or about fifteen degrees higher than 
the common springs of the surrounding country. Of 
the saline contents of the water, the most abundant are 



176 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

sulphates of lime and magnesia, and the carbonate of 
lime, chloride of sodium, muriate of alumina, sulphate of 
soda ; phosphate and sulphate of alumina are found in 
smaller proportions. It is actively diuretic, and, under 
favorable circumstances, determining to the skin by mild 
diaphoresis ; with many it is mildly purgative. 

The water of the Holston Springs was analyzed in 
1842, by Professor Hayden, who reports that he found 
one wine gallon of the water to contain 41.14 grains 
of saline matter, consisting of chloride of sodium, 
sulphate of lime, sulphate of soda, sulphate of mag- 
nesia, and carbonate of lime, with traces of alumina. 

KIMBERLING SPRINGS. 

The Kimberling Springs are a series of medicated 
fountains in the county of Bland, Virginia, twenty-six 
miles from Wytheville. 

Some of this group of springs have been chemically 
examined by Dr. Tuttle, of the University of Virginia, 
with the following results : 

" The first water examined was strongly impregnated 
with alum, and was found to be free from copperas and 
other deleterious ingredients. A partial analysis showed 
this water to contain in an Imperial gallon — 

Sulphate of alumina 83.069 grains. 

Sulphate of lime 17*514 " 

Sulphate of magnesia 14.014 " 

"The waters from the Sulphur Springs are as yet di- 
luted by admixture of fresh water from other springs in 
the immediate vicinity. When access from these shall 
have been cut off, the strength of the mineral waters 
will, of course, be increased. 

"The mineral contents of an Imperial gallon of the 
Red Sulphur were found to be as follows : 

Sulphuretted hydrogen (some loss having occurred 

in transportation) 1737 grains. 

Sulphate of lime 2.3169 " 

Carbonate of magnesia 1.62 

Carbonate of lime 7238 " 



HOLS TON SPRINGS. 



177 



Chloride of sodium 4229 grains. 

Carbonate of soda 6.208 " 

« Carbonate of potassa 750 " 

Silica 6733 " 

Organic matter 2.160 " 

A trace of iron. 

14.8749 " 
A gallon of water yielded, on evaporation, a resi- 
due of 14.607 grains. 

"The Blue Sulphur water was found, on a partial 
examination, to be very similar in composition and in 
strength to the Red Sulphur water, an analysis of which 
is given above." 

These waters are favorably spoken of by Dr. A. J. 
Nye and other persons in the neighborhood of the 
springs, who have had some experience in their use. 



16 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Fauquier White Sulphur Springs — Buffalo Springs — Huguenot Springs 
— New London Alum Springs. 

FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

The Fauquier White Sulphur Springs are in the 
county of Fauquier, fifty-six miles from Washington, 
and forty from Fredericksburg. 

According to analysis, the water is impregnated with 
sulphate of magnesia, phosphate of soda, and sulphu- 
retted hydrogen. Its temperature is 5 6° Fahrenheit, 
io^° Reaumur. It has a strong sulphuric smell, and, 
the taste being not unlike the odor arising from the 
yolk of a hard-boiled egg, is not, perhaps, at first very 
agreeable to the palate of a gourmand. It operates 
purgative ly and diuretic ally ; the cuticular pores being 
opened, and perspiration, especially if the weather be 
warm, flows easily and copiously. 

This property was beautifully and extensively im- 
proved before the war, and had for many years been a 
place of large and fashionable resort. 

During the war nearly all the buildings were burned, 
but doubtless arrangements will ere long be made by 
which this heretofore delightful place will be put in 
a condition to meet the wants of the spring-going 
public. 

BUFFALO SPRINGS. 

The Buffalo Springs are situated in the county of 
Mecklenburg, a few miles south of Dan River, and seven 
west of the town of Clarksville. 

(178) 



BUFFALO SPRINGS. 1 79 

The analysis of the water shows it to be a sulphated 
chalybeate. Its temperature, as it flows from the earth, 
is 6o° Fahr. Its specific gravity is 1.058. 

The solid contents obtained by evaporating one wine 
gallon of the water are found to consist of — 



Sulphate of magnesia 8 grains. 

Sulphate of lime 3.5 " 

Sulphate of protoxide of iron 2.6 " 

Chloride of sodium a trace. 

Chloride of magnesium a trace. 

Sulphate of soda 1.3 grains. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen gas 0.54080 grains. 

Total of solid and gaseous contents 15.94080 " 



The first effects produced by drinking the water are 
a flushed face, a quickened pulse, and some giddiness 
of the head. These symptoms soon pass off, however, 
and are followed by an increase of appetite, a health- 
ful glow on the surface, with more or less perspiration. 
Active diuresis sometimes supervenes, and continues as 
long as the water is used. Occasionally some slight 
purging takes place for the first day or two, but, unless 
the mucous membrane of the bowels was previously in- 
flamed, or very irritable, the protracted use of the water 
is attended with constipation. 

The water is stimulant, and, of course, contra-indi- 
cated in all diseases of an acute inflammatory charac- 
ter; as, likewise, in all cases of hemorrhage of the 
lungs, or acute diseases of the bronchial tubes. As a 
mere tonic, however, it is not wholly inadmissible in 
chronic affections of the chest ; but it should never be 
resorted to without satisfactory evidence of the absence 
of tuberculous disease of that cavity. 

The principal morbid states to which it seems to be 
well adapted are dropsical affections, visceral obstruc- 
tions, protracted intermittent and re?nittent fevers, chronic 
diseases of the skin, dyspepsia, convalescence from fevers 



1 8a MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

of every grade and type, female complaints, and almost 
every disease of the pelvic organs in both sexes. 

The happy blending of tonic and alterative powers 
in these waters constitutes them a valuable remedy in 
a comprehensive class of cases in which these two im- 
portant influences are demanded for the restoration of 
health. 

In the sallow or jaundiced condition of the skin 
common to denizens of warm miasmatic districts, and 
always connected with hepatic derangements of some 
sort, these waters will be used with excellent success. 
In the milder obstructions of the liver, spleen, and kid- 
neys, as well as in obstructions in the lesser glands of the 
system, and in paucity or poverty of the blood, their 
employment will be valuable. We should look also for 
highly beneficial results from the judicious use of the 
waters in chronic irritation of the mucous coat of the 
bowels, bladder, or urethra, as well as in that wretched 
form of disease technically known as spermatorrhea, a 
legitimate and not unfrequent result of youthful im- 
proprieties. 

HUGUENOT SPRINGS. 

This watering-place is in Powhatan County, seven- 
teen miles above Richmond. It is near the centre of 
a tract of land granted by the British crown to a body 
of Protestant refugees driven from France by the repeal 
of the edict of Nantes, in 1685. Hence its name. 

There are two springs here, one mildly sulphurous, 
the other chalybeate. The first was analyzed by Pro- 
fessor Rogers, who ascertained that it contained the 
ingredients usually found in the sulphur waters of the 
country, but in small proportions. The other spring 
was analyzed by Professor Maupin, who pronounced it 
a mild and pure chalybeate. 

In addition to these medicated springs, there is a well 
from which is obtained a water strongly tinctured both 
with sulphur and iron. This is used, not only for drink- 



NEW LONDON ALUM SPRING. 181 

ing, but for bathing, its medicinal properties when thus 
employed being considered valuable. 

NEW LONDON ALUM SPRING. 

For a number of years it has been known that alum 
is a constituent part of a rock that is found in large 
masses near the town of New London, in the county 
of Campbell, ten miles southwest of Lynchburg. An 
excavation made several years ago into the ground, 
penetrating this rock, but with no view of obtaining 
alum water, the virtues of which were not then appre- 
ciated, has, from the percolation of the water through 
the layers of rock, afforded an alum of sufficient purity 
to be used by the good housewives of the vicinity for 
" setting their dyes." 

The medical reputation acquired within the last few 
years by the alum waters of Rockbridge, induced the 
proprietor of this rock to sink a shaft or well into it, 
with the hope of obtaining alum water in sufficient 
quantity to be used for medicinal purposes. His enter- 
prise was crowned with entire success. On penetrating 
the rock to the depth of sixteen feet, he came to several 
percolations of water, furnishing a sufficient amount to 
induce him to suspend further operations and to cut an 
entrance into the basin, or spring, after the manner 
of ancient wells, and of sufficient size to admit of easy 
ingress and egress to and from the fountain. 

Three or four glasses a day of this water will operate 
gently upon the botuels of some persons ; it decidedly 
promotes the secretion of the kidneys ; but its leading 
operation is that of a generous tonic and astringent to 
the animal fibre, increasing the appetite and strengthen- 
ing the general system. 

It has been analyzed by Professor Gilham with the 
following results : 

"A gallon of water furnished the following mineral 
constituents : 

1 6* 



182 MINERAL WATERS OF VIRGINIA. 

Sulphate of magnesia 12.664 grains to the gal. 

Sulphate of protoxide of iron 23.456 " 

Sulphate of alumina 7.240 " 

Sulphate of lime 18.672 " 

Sulphate of potassa 10.160 " 

And, in addition, we have of free or uncombined sulphuric acid, 
19.976 grains. 

Between the analysis of this water and the alum 
waters of Bath and Rockbridge, whose reputation and 
adaptations are now pretty well established, there is a 
similarity, in several respects, so striking as to induce 
the belief that they are suited to the same general range 
of disease. 

The intelligent physician, acquainted with the pecu- 
liar action of the alum waters, and looking to the 
leading indications afforded by the analysis of this, 
will not fail to perceive that it is pointed out as a 
valuable remedy in a large circle of cases that require 
an alterative tonic treatment. It will be found valuable 
in scrofula and in the various forms of salt rheum, as 
such waters invariably are; while its good effects in 
chlorosis, and other female affections unattended with 
febrile action, may be looked to, we would think, with 
decided confidence. 

In anozmic and other conditions of the system de- 
manding the use of tonic remedies, this water may be 
used with excellent effect. In cutaneous and ulcera- 
tive affections, in primary nervous diseases, in pro- 
fluvia, and passive hemorrhages, it will be found well 
adapted. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

SPRINGS OF KENTUCKY.* 

Harrodsburg Springs — Rochester Spring — Olympian Springs — Blue 
Lick Springs — Estill Springs. 

HARRODSBURG SPRINGS. 

Harrodsburg Springs are situated near the source 
of Salt River, and in the immediate suburbs of the 
town of Harrodsburg. They have been extensively 
and handsomely improved, and, in the language of Dr. 
Drake, will in this respect "compare advantageously 
with any to be found in America or Europe." 

Dr. Raymond's analysis shows that one pint of the 
water of the Grenville Spring contains — 

Carbonate of magnesia 2.87 grains. 

Bicarbonate of lime 0.86 " 

Sulphate of magnesia (crystallized) 16.16 " 

Sulphate of lime (crystallized) 11.06 " 

Chloride of sodium a trace. 

30-95 

One pint of the Saloon or Chalybeate Spring 
contains — 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 0.43 grains. 

Bicarbonate of lime 4.31 

Bicarbonate of iron 0.50 " 

Sulphate of magnesia (crystallized) '27.92 " 

Sulphate of lime (crystallized) 10.24 " 

Chloride of sodium 1.24 " 

44.60 " 

* To Dr. Drake, who was one of the brightest philosophical lights 
of the profession in America, we are principally indebted for our 
knowledge of the Springs of Kentucky. 

(183) 



1 84 SPRINGS OF KENTUCKY. 

Dr. Raymond could not detect either free carbonic 
acid or sulphuretted hydrogen gas. 

The water of the Grenville Spring is the better ant- 
acid, — that of Saloon the better tonic. Indeed, small 
as the quantity of iron is, it sometimes produces an 
uncomfortable feeling in the head, which is relieved 
by drinking at the other fountain. In reference to the 
excretions, the water from both acts upon the bowels, 
kidneys, and skin. Beyond these sensible effects, it 
pervades the whole constitution, and many classes 
of invalids very soon feel a renovation of appetite, 
strength, and cheerfulness, although its primary effects 
seem to be sedative, not stimulant. 

Dr. Drake remarks that ' ' these waters are very 
beneficial in chronic inflammations and obstructions 
of the abdominal viscera, in such cases of dyspepsia 
as are attended with subacute gastritis, and in almost 
every kind of hepatic disorder, except when the liver 
is indurated, and consequently incurable. They are 
almost equally beneficial in chronic inflammations of 
many other parts of the system, especially of the 
serous and fibrous membranes. In tonic dropsies, in 
rheumatism, and in various affections of the perios- 
teum from febrile metastasis, from syphilis, and from 
mercury, they have often effected a cure when other 
means had failed." He also speaks very favorably 
of their employment in urinary disorders and chronic 
diseases of the skin. He enjoins caution in their use 
in pulmonary complaints, and considers them hurtful 
in vomica, tubercular suppurations, and hepatization 
of the pulmonary tissue. 

ROCHESTER SPRING. 

Rochester Spring is a feeble but constant stream, 
that bursts out about sixty feet below the summit of a 
ridge of coarse-grained shell limestone. It so nearly 
resembles the waters just described, that a detailed 



OLYMPIAN SPRINGS. ^5 

account of its waters would be superfluous. It is one 
mile from Perryville and twelve from Harrodsburg. 



OLYMPIAN SPRINGS. 

The Olympian Springs constitute one of the oldest 
and most noted watering-places in Kentucky. They 
are situated in Bath County, about fifty miles east of 
Lexington, on the waters of Licking River, which 
unites with the Ohio opposite Cincinnati. 

There are several springs and wells, which present 
such differences in their composition that of all the 
watering-places of the West this has been supposed to 
afford the greatest variety; but Dr. Drake remarks, 
" I could not myself detect more than three kinds, — 
a Salt and Sulphur, a White Sulphur, and a Chalybeate" 

The Salt and Sulphur Well contains sulphuretted 
hydrogen, muriate of soda, carbonate of soda, and 
perhaps a little muriate of lime. 

The White Sulphur Spring is situated half a mile 
from the well. This spring is said to have made its 
first appearance during the earthquakes of 181 1. Its 
temperature is 59 . Its composition is essentially the 
same with that of the well just described, but the 
ingredients of the two vary in their proportions. The 
quantity of sulphur is greater in the spring than in 
the well; on the other hand, the spring has but a weak 
impregnation of muriate of soda compared with the 
well. The proportion of carbonate of soda is nearly 
the same in both. 

The Chalybeate Springs are two in number, and 
are situated about forty yards apart, and half a mile 
from the Salt and Sulphur Well. They are simple car- 
bonated iron waters. 

The Salt and Sulphur waters, Dr. Drake informs us, 



1 86 SPRINGS OF KENTUCKY. 

are principally drunk ; of these, from one to eight tum- 
blers are taken in the morning. Its diuretic effects are 
prompt, its action upon the bowels very inconsiderable. 

BLUE LICK SPRINGS. 

Blue Lick Springs. — At this place there are several 
springs, all essentially of one kind, — the sulphurous 
saline. They are situated on the bank of Licking 
River, twenty-four miles from the Ohio, and on the 
main road that leads from Maysville to Lexington. 
From the early settlement of the State until within the 
last eighteen years, salt was manufactured at this place. 

The analysis of the Blue Lick waters by Professor 
Peter* shows that its gaseous contents consist of sul- 
phuretted hydrogen and carbonic acid ; and its solid 
contents, of the carbonates of lime and magnesia, the 
chlorides of potassium, sodium, and magnesia, the sul- 
phates of lime and potash, bromide of magnesium, 
iodide of magnesium, silicic acid, with a small amount 
of alumina, phosphate of lime, and oxide of iron. 

The solid contents of the Blue Lick water are to those 
of the Virginia White Sulphur, as rather more than nine 
to two. In the former are sixty-four grains of chloride 
of sodium, or common salt, to the pint ; in the latter, 
but a small fraction. The first contains about three and 
a half grains of sulphate of lime, the second about ten 
grains. The White Sulphur holds in solution, however, 
sulphates of magnesia and soda, both of which are 
wanting in the Blue Lick ; while in its turn the latter 
has chloride of potassium, and sulphate of potash and 
bromide of magnesium, which are not in the former. 
The quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen in the Blue Lick 
is double that in the White Sulphur. Iodide of magne- 
sium is found in both. 



Mineral and Thermal Springs, by Dr. John Bell. 



ESTILL SPRINGS. 187 

The medical virtues of the Blue Lick water are those 
of a saline sulphur, and are analogous to, but more active 
than, the Olympian Spring water. It acts freely as a 
diuretic, but only occasionally as a purgative. It may 
be used with advantage in nearly all the chronic diseases 
in which the sulphur waters already described have been 
recommended. The water employed as a bath can be 
very properly connected with its internal use.* 

ESTILL SPRINGS. 

Estill Springs, in Estill County, are sulphurous 
waters. There are two springs here, called White and 
Red Sulphur. 

The White Sulphur contains 0.09 per cent, of solid 
contents, the Red, 0.04 per cent., consisting in both 
cases of carbonates of soda, lime, and magnesia ; sul- 
phates of lime, magnesia, and soda; chlorides of sodium, 
calcium, and magnesium ; with hydrosulphate of soda, 
and a trace of carbonate of iron. 



* Between the Blue Lick and the famous Harrogate Springs, in 
the North of England, there is a striking similarity ; and from some 
personal knowledge of both these waters, I have no hesitancy in ex- 
pressing the opinion that the waters of the Blue Lick are well adapted 
to the same class of cases for the treatment of which the waters of Har- 
rogate have been long celebrated. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

MINERAL SPRINGS OF OHIO AND INDIANA. 
OHIO WHITE SULPHUR. 

Ohio White Sulphur. — Near the geographical centre 
of Ohio, in the county of Delaware, and immediately 
on the west bank of the Scioto, surrounded by a country 
broken, hilly, and beautifully picturesque, arises the 
Ohio White Sulphur. The Scioto is here a rippling, 
rapid stream, hastily flowing and fretting over beds of 
boulder rocks, and skirted, for many miles above and 
below the spring, by slopes or banks of considerable 
elevation, which gently spread out into undulating table- 
lands, charmingly interspersed with valley and hill, and 
blessed with an atmosphere free from malarious influ- 
ences at every period of the year, and as salubrious as 
is found in our high mountain ranges. 

Under the name of Harfs Spring, this place has 
been known for its mineral waters for more than thirty 
years. The circumstance that led to its improvement 
as a spring property by Mr. Hart, its former proprietor, 
is worthy of note. He had visited the White Sulphur 
Springs in Virginia, for the relief of a complicated 
stomach and liver complaint ; returning to Ohio cured 
of his disease, his attention was called to this artesian 
sulphur fountain, and upon examination he found its 
waters so strikingly to resemble those of the Virginia 
Spring as to induce him to purchase and improve it in 
view of its medicinal value. 

The property was subsequently owned by Mr. A. 
Wilson, of Cincinnati, who erected many new build- 
(188) 



SPRINGS OF ADAMS COUNTY. 189 

ings, and otherwise extensively improved the property. 
The water of this spring is sulphurous, abounding prin- 
cipally in the sulphates of lime and magnesia, with 
chlorides of the same salts, and with some oxide of iron. 
These springs for a few years were extensively visited, 
but now, from some cause or other, have ceased to 
be kept as a public watering-place. In natural scenic 
beauty they are excelled by but few of our watering- 
places. 

MINERAL SPRINGS OF ADAMS COUNTY, OHIO. 

These springs are thirty miles from Portsmouth, and 
thirty-six from Ripley. 

A qualitative analysis of these waters shows them to 
contain 120.35 grains of solid matter to the gallon, con- 
sisting of chloride of magnesia, sulphate of lime, car- 
bonate of lime, chlorides of calcium and sodium ; and 
oxide of iron, with traces of iodine. 

These springs are of comparatively recent resort, but 
have been used advantageously in dyspeptic depravi- 
ties, liver complaints, and chronic irritations of the 
abdominal viscera generally. They have also been suc- 
cessfully employed in disorders of the kidneys, female 
obstructions, rheumatism, and chronic diseases of the 
skin, as well as in dropsical effusions. 

These springs may be conveniently reached by coaches 
from Portsmouth, Ripley, or Manchester, on the Ohio 
River. 

The Yellow Spring is in Green County, two miles 
west of the Miami River, and sixty-four north of Cin- 
cinnati. Dr. Drake states that "it is a copious and 
constant fountain, that issues between strata of arena- 
ceous limestone, and thus has geological characters per- 
fectly identical with the Chalybeate Springs of the 
Olympian valley in Kentucky." The temperature of 
the water is the same as that of the other springs of the 

17 



190 



SPRINGS OF OHIO AND INDIANA. 



neighborhood, 52 Fahr. The water is beautifully 
transparent, with a slight ferruginous taste, and is said 
to resemble in its composition the other limestone 
springs of the country, with the addition of the car- 
bonate of iron. 

Dr. Drake informs us " that its water is diuretic and 
slightly laxative, if it can be considered as having this 
effect at all with any uniformity." He considers the 
water rather restorative than curative, and as such it is 
valuable for convalescents. He regards it as a pleasant 
tonic, and hence valuable in cases of debility, or ex- 
haustion following previous violent attacks, and in 
nervous disorders. 

The Westport Spring. — It arises (Dr. Bell) " in the 
bed of Deer Creek, a tributary of the Scioto River, 
from a vast bed of clay-slate, which for many miles 
forms the bed of the creek." It is a bold fountain, 
yielding some twenty gallons of water a minute. It 
belongs to the saline class, and contains sulphate of 
magnesia and iron; the latter being held in solution 
by carbonic acid, which gives the water a lively and 
sparkling appearance as it rises to the surface. The 
water is said to be mildly cathartic. It will, doubtless, 
be found valuable in dyspepsia, gastralgia, and a numer- 
ous class of functional derangements of the chylopoetic 
viscera. 

FRENCH LICK SPRINGS, INDIANA. 

French Lick is situated in a beautiful valley tributary 
to that of Lost River, about the centre of Orange County, 
ten miles from Paoli, and eighteen from Orleans, on the 
New Albany and Chicago Railroad. 

There are more than a dozen of these, but all seem 
to be derived from three parent springs, which are situ- 
ated within an area of half an acre, but which exhibit 
some difference in constitution. 



FRENCH LICK SPRING. 



191 



Pluto' s Well, as it is termed, is remarkable for the 
production of a large volume of strong sulphur water. 
Its constitution is as follows, according to the analysis 
of Dr. Rogers, of Madison, Indiana-: — 

Free Gases in Wine Gallon. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen 25.5 cubic inches. 

Carbonic acid 15 " " 

Salts in Wine Gallojz. 

Chloride of sodium I4-Q-54 grains. 

Chloride of calcium 5.35 

Sulphate of lime 60.59 " 

Sulphate of magnesia 18.12 

Sulphate of soda... 22.37 " 

Carbonate of magnesia 1.59 " 

Carbonate of lime 6.95 " 

Carbonate of iron and alumina a trace. 

Loss 54 " 

Total of salts 256.00 " 

All these waters have about the same general medicinal 
effect. They are alterative and tonic when moderately 
used ; in larger quantities are hydragogue eliminators, 
acting upon the bowels, kidneys, and skin, without, how- 
ever, producing the irritating effect which this class 
of agents usually induces when prepared by means of 
a pharmacy less perfect than that of nature. They are 
especially adapted to the treatment of diseases of the 
skin, dyspepsia, constipation, chronic inflammation of 
the various mucous surfaces, scrofula, rheumatism, and, 
in fine, may be beneficially used in all chronic affec- 
tions where a tonic and alterative effect is required. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

MINERAL SPRINGS OF MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN. 

The St. Louis Magnetic Spring is an artesian well, 
located in St. Louis, Gratiot County, State of Michigan. 
It was undertaken with the idea of boring for salt, and 
was stopped at the depth of two hundred feet, when a 
flow of water of two hundred and eighty gallons per 
minute had been struck. Attention was first called to 
the peculiarity of this spring by observing the strong 
electrical condition of the tubing of the well, through 
which the water flows. It was noticed that this tubing 
would attract and hold small pieces of iron and steel. 
Pieces of such metals were then laid in the trench that 
conveyed the surplus water away, and it was found that 
they became magnetized in a day or two by the action 
of the water. These facts drew attention to the water 
as a therapeutic agent of probable value, and to an ex- 
tensive use of it in cases to which it was supposed to be 
adapted. 

Dr. Samuel P. Duftield, Professor of Chemistry in 
Detroit Medical College, has analyzed this water, and 
obtained the following result, calculated on the Imperial 
gallon. Specific gravity, ion. 

Sulphate of lime 66.50 grains. 

Silicate of lime..... 6.72 " 

Chloride of lime a trace. 

Bicarbonate of soda 106.40 " 

Bicarbonate of lime.. 69.40 " 

Bicarbonate of magnesia . 17-50 " 

Bicarbonate of iron 1.20 " 

Silica free 2.88 " 

Organic matter and loss , 2.00 " 

Total constituents 272.60 " 

(192) 



SPRINGS OF MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN. 193 

Bicarbonates 194.62 grains. 

Free carbonic acid in gallon 6.21 " 

Sulphuretted hydrogen traces. 

Total mineral in one gallon 279.60 " 

As regards the rationale of the magnetic state of this and 
other similar waters said to exist in the same geological 
district, it may be observed that they are all the result of 
artesian borings of the earth for considerable distances, in 
search of salt. These wells are situated along the margins 
of the great salt and gypsum belts, whose waters hold 
largely in solution the salts of lime and sodium. It is 
well known by those who work in salt wells, and to all 
scientists, that when the earth is penetrated to any 
considerable depth by boring, and iron tubing is intro- 
duced into the depth, saline waters flowing through the 
tubing will possess in a greater or less degree some 
magnetic or allied electrical action. It is caused by ter- 
restrial magnetism, which is imparted to the iron tubing, 
and from it to the water flowing through the tubes. 
And thus the water becomes the conductor of terrestrial 
magnetism. 

This water is strongly alkaline, and as such will 
prove valuable to a numerous class of chronic disorders, 
such as rheumatism, kidney, bladder, and other diseases 
that are known to be successfully treated by waters of 
this class. But it may well be doubted whether mag- 
netism or electricity can impart to water ?nolecular 
agency and cause the molecular changes to be of a per- 
manent ?iature. Such results cannot be demonstrated, 
and there is nothing in all knowledge that is deductive 
to show how such permanent effects can be accom- 
plished by such agency. Hence it is difficult, without 
an entire change in existing pathological and thera- 
peutic views, to perceive the rationale of ascribing to 
such agency the various cures said to have been effected 
by this water, while the admitted efficacy of its thera- 
peutic salts is overlooked or forgotten. 
17* 



194 



SPRINGS IN WISCONSIN. 



SPRINGS IN WISCONSIN. 



Bethesda is a strong alkaline spring recently brought 
into notice as a therapeutic agent, in the town of Wau- 
kesha, eighteen miles distant from Milwaukee. 

The following is the analysis of this spring, made 
by Prof. C. F. Chandler, of Columbia College, New 
York:— 

In one U. S. or wine gallon, of 231 cubic inches, 
there are — 

Chloride of sodium 1.160 grains. 

Sulphate of potassa 0.454 

Sulphate of sodium 0.542 

Bicarbonate of lime 17.022 

Bicarbonate of magnesia... 12.388 

Bicarbonate of iron 0.042 

Bicarbonate of soda 1.256 

Phosphate of soda a trace. 

Alumina 0.122 

Silica 0.741 

Organic matter 1-983 



Total 35-7io " 

This water has been used with marked and excellent 
effect in numerous cases of diabetes, and in chronic 
irritations of the kidneys and bladder. Its judicious 
use will doubtless be found valuable in curing various 
kidney depravities, and in correcting uric acid pre- 
dominance in the blood, that often lead to the forma- 
tion of calculus. Some medical men who have prescribed 
it, think it decidedly curative in Bright' s disease of the 
kidneys. That its use would be valuable in the early 
stages of that formidable disease, before positive degen- 
eration of the kidneys takes place, is very probable. 
Indeed, its efficacy in the early stages of albuminuria 
has been satisfactorily shown from its use. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

MINERAL SPRINGS OF TENNESSEE. 

White's Creek Spring — Robertson's — Winchester — Beersheba — Mont- 
vale — Tate's — Lee's — Sulphur and Chalybeate — Alum Springs — 
Warm Spring on the French Broad. 

The same great Appalachian chain of mountains that 
extends through Virginia and West Virginia, and affords 
what is there known as the " Spring Region," continues 
its course southwesterly througli the State of Tennessee 
from the northeastern to the southwestern border of the 
State, gradually losing its elevation as it goes south, 
until, finally, in Alabama, it sinks into the alluvial 
plains that extend to the Gulf of Mexico. 

This extensive mountain range, or rather series of 
mountains, running on the same parallel, is called in 
Tennessee the Cumberland range, and divides East 
Tennessee from Middle Tennessee. 

On the southern border of the State, for nearly two 
hundred miles in length, is the great chain of the Blue 
Ridge mountains, a continuation of the same lofty 
range that in Virginia separates the Great Valley from 
Eastern Virginia. 

In Tennessee, this range of mountains is on the line 
between that State and North Carolina, South Carolina, 
and Georgia. Both of these great mountain ranges 
afford essentially the same geological characteristics 
in Tennessee that they do in Virginia; and on their 
slopes, and near their base, in the latter as in the former 
State, mineral springs of various qualities and strength 
are known to exist. But as yet in Tennessee few of 

(i95) 



i 9 6 SPRINGS OF TENNESSEE. 

these springs have been improved and made places 
of resort for the invalid, or the general public ; nor 
have they yet, as a general thing, made out a satisfac- 
tory record of their precise quality or medicinal appli- 
cabilities. 

The saline and sulphurous and the carbonated iron 
waters are those most frequently met with in this State. 
I proceed to mention those that have been introduced 
to public notice as places of valetudinary or pleasure 
resorts. 

White's Creek Spring is twelve miles from Nash- 
ville. It is held in high estimation by many, and is 
considerably resorted to. It contains sulphur, iron, and 
magnesia, the former in large proportion. In cutaneous 
disorders and calculous affections it has been much 
praised for its curative powers. 

Robertson's Springs belong to the class of saline 
waters. They are twenty miles from Nashville. 

Winchester Springs are four miles from the pleasant 
town of Winchester, in Franklin County, on the Nash- 
ville and Chattanooga Railroad, seventy miles from 
Nashville, and fifty from Chattanooga. 

There are here, in close proximity, four different 
springs, — Red and White Sulphur, Chalybeate, and 
Freestone. These springs enjoy considerable celebrity 
and patronage, and are well worthy of attention as a 
place of both healthful and pleasurable resort. 

In the same neighborhood, and but four miles dis- 
tant, other springs have been discovered, called Alli- 
sona Springs. They resemble the Winchester Springs 
in quality, and promise to be of equal medicinal value. 

Beersheba Springs are on the summit of one ot 
the spurs of the Cumberland Mountain, in the county 
of Grundy, about twelve miles northeast from McMinns- 




CD 

m 
m 

v 

E- 1 



eg 



&2D 



MONTVALE SPRINGS. i 97 

ville. They have come into notice as a watering-place 
within the last fifteen years. 

The water is a saline chalybeate, and is regarded 
as a valuable tonic alterative. 

These springs have been tastefully and conveniently 
improved for the accommodation of from four to five 
hundred persons. 

The scenery surrounding the Beersheba Springs is 
both beautiful and picturesque, and remarkable alike 
for its extent of range and its wild and romantic 
prospects. 

There are here some fifteen or twenty elegant cot- 
tage residences, belonging to and generally occupied 
by wealthy families of Nashville and other parts of the 
Southwest. 

The society assembled at the place during the sum- 
mer is always select, elegant, and cultivated, and this, 
in connection with the value of the waters and the 
salubrious character of the atmosphere, makes Beer- 
sheba a desirable summer retreat. 

Through the entire circuit of East Tennessee, as 
bounded by the Cumberland range of mountains on 
the north and the Blue Ridge on the south, mineral 
waters are abundant, and some, particularly of the 
saline and chalybeate character, have been demon- 
strated to be of excellent character. 

Montvale Springs are in Blount County, twenty- 
four miles south of Knoxville. They belong to the 
saline class. 

The analysis of these waters, by Professor Mitchell, 
shows that they contain in one gallon of water — 

Chloride of sodium 1.96 

Sulphate of magnesia 12.00 

Sulphate of lime 74-21 

Sulphate of soda 4.51 

Carbonate of lime 13.26 

Carbonate of iron 2.40 



198 SPRINGS OF TENNESSEE. 

They also show traces of potash and organic matter, 
.with an excess of carbonic acid. 

The Montvale are valuable waters, and very favor- 
ably represent the class to which they belong. In 
many of the dyspeptic depravities, and generally in the 
chronic disorders of the abdominal and pelvic viscera, 
they are used with great success. 

They enjoy considerable reputation in the cure of 
chronic diarrhoea, a disease very common and very 
fatal in our extreme Southern latitudes. In the sum- 
mer of 1854 the author spent several weeks at Mont- 
vale, and witnessed the operation of its waters in quite 
a number of cases of this disease. In those in which 
it was used in quantities but slightly provocative of 
increased operations from the bowels, and in which a 
guarded forbearance in diet and general living was 
observed, it proved eminently useful, and especially in 
cases connected with and kept up by depraved biliary 
secretions; while, on the other hand, those who used 
the water in full purgative doses derived no benefit, 
and some were injured. The best article in the Mate- 
ria Medica may be so misused as to render it inert or 
injurious, and the invalid at this or at any of the mineral 
springs should remember that it is not, as many seem 
to suppose, to drink and be healed, but so to drink as to 
secure the proper and sanative effects of the agent.* 

The waters of the Montvale more resemble those of 
the Alleghany Springs in Virginia than any other with 
which I can compare them. 

Tate's Springs are in the county of Granger. They 
are saline waters, and are very like those of Montvale, 
but hold in solution a larger amount of iron. 

Lee's Springs are twenty miles east of Knoxville. 



* See account of Montvale Springs, by J. J. Moorman, M.D., pub- 
lished in 1855. 



ALUM SPRINGS.— WARM SPRING. 



199 



There are here two sulphur springs and a chalybeate 
spring. The sulphurs are good waters of their class ; 
the chalybeate is pure and strong, and superior to many 
waters of its kind. 

At the town of Rutledge, in Granger County, is a 
very strong sulphurous spring, and near Bean' 's Station, 
in the same county, are several beautiful fountains of 
sulphur water, abounding in red and white deposits. 

Alum Springs. — I have examined the waters from 
an alum spring found near Rogersville, in Hawkins 
County, which compare favorably with any alum waters 
that are known. 

Warm Spring. — On the French Broad River, near 
the North Carolina line, there is a warm spring of 
95 Fahr. issuing from the bank of the river. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

SPRINGS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 

Warm and Hot Springs of Buncombe — Shocco Spring — Jones' White 
Sulphur and Chalybeate — Kittrell's Springs. 

North Carolina is not remarkable for mineral 
springs. The most noted are the — 

Warm and Hot Springs of Buncombe. -r-These ther- 
mal fountains arise on the western bank of the French 
Broad River, and so near the stream that in times of 
high freshets they are overflown by its waters. 

The fountains are three in number, and vary in tem- 
perature from 94 to 104 Fahr. 

Professor Smith obtained the following results from 
analyzing three quarts of the water : — 

Muriate of lime and magnesia , 4 grains. 

Sulphate of magnesia 6 

Sulphate of lime , 4i-°5 " 

Insoluble residue 2.05 " 

Loss.. 1 " 

27.10 " 
Equal to 4.66 grains in a pint. 

This water lies lightly upon the stomach, and is 
often used by visitors to the extent of three quarts, or 
even more, in the course of the day. In such doses, 
it is said to excite active purgation when first used, 
but after a few days it ceases to have any active effect. 

As a bath, these waters have a wide and appropriate 
applicability. The bath of 94° will very generally be 
( 200 ) 



SPRINGS OF BUNCOMBE. 2 oi 

found safe and salutary for most persons. Those of 
higher temperature should be used with caution, and 
with a prudent reference to the nature of the disease 
and the state of the system at the time of their use. 
As stated when treating of the Hot Springs in Vir- 
ginia, hot baths are potent and positive agents ; they 
are revolutionary remedies, and to be used safely and 
successfully must be used with wise discrimination. 
They are unsuited to persons in ordinary health, and 
to all acute or subacute cases, but admirably suited to 
many cases of obstinate chronic diseases, especially to 
chronic rheumatism, palsy, and other cases depending 
upon obstinate obstructions and loss of vascular and 
nervous energy. 

An able writer upon baths adopts the following 
decision as to their temperature, which may well be 
made a fixed rule to determine the import of language 
when we speak generally of the temperature of baths : — 

1. The cold bath from 33 to 6o° Fahr. 

2. The cool bath " 6o° to 70 " 

3. The temperate bath " 75° to 85 " 

4. The tepid bath " 85° to 92 " 

5. The warm bath " 92 to 98 " 

6. The hot bath " 98 to 112 " 

He remarks that " the only upward limit of the hot 
bath is that of tolerance by the living body immersed 
in it. As it regards the effects, in a general way, of 
these several kinds of baths, we may speak of them 
under two divisions, therapeutically considered. In 
the first, from the warm down to cold, we shall find a 
calming and soothing operation continued, with the 
reduced temperature of the water, to the most depress- 
ing sedative, — in fact, a reducing power; and in the 
second, from the upper degrees of warmth, a stimu- 
lating and strongly exciting operation. What a mis- 
chievous error, therefore, is the too common one of 
confounding a war?n with a hot bath, and directing the 

18 



202 SPRINGS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 

one for the other, as if they were convertible terms 
expressing the same thing, instead of being in direct 
contrast with each other ! It may serve to indicate the 
striking difference between the warm bath and the hot 
bath when I say that the first is a grateful hygienic 
agent, which almost everybody can make use of with 
benefit, in addition to its employment as a therapeu- 
tical one in the treatment of disease; whereas the hot 
bath is, or ought to be, a remedial agent to be used 
solely in disease, and even then with considerable cau- 
tion and discernment." 

Shocco Springs are situated nine miles from Warren- 
ton, in Warren County. They are a mild sulphurous 
saline water. My valued friend Dr. Howard, formerly 
of Warrenton, informs me that they are ' ' mildly aperient 
and actively diuretic, producing, after a few days' use, 
free bilious evacuations, and that they are advantage- 
ously employed in the various diseases for which mild 
sulphur waters are usually prescribed." 

Shocco is improved by a large hotel and comfortable 
cabins, that will pleasantly accommodate four hundred 
persons. 

Jones' White Sulphur and Chalybeate Springs 
are located about five miles from Shocco, and eleven 
from Warrenton ; they are improved for the accommo- 
dation of about three hundred and fifty visitors, and 
about that number may be found there at the height of 
the season. 

The White Sulphur is a mild sulphurous saline water, 
and acts favorably in certain hepatic derangements, 
jaundice, dyspepsia, etc. 

The Chalybeate is a strong ferruginous water; the 
iron is held in solution by carbonic acid. Dr. Howard 
considers it an excellent tonic, and "well suited for 
all those cases characterized by an enfeebled habit, 
and especially when the blood has been deprived of its 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



203 



normal proportion of iron. It displays marked effi- 
cacy in those whose blood has been robbed of this 
important element by malarious fevers, and in 'chloro- 
sis, amenorrhcea, " etc. 

Kittrell's Springs. — Immediately on the railroad 
from Weldon to Raleigh, in the county of Granville, 
and half a mile from the village of Henderson, KittrelV s 
Springs are found. They have attracted public notice 
only for the last ten years, and as yet there is but little 
improvement at the place for the accommodation of 
visitors. The water of these springs has acquired con- 
siderable local reputation for the cure of various dis- 
eases, and particularly for scrofulous affections. 

Chemical examinations have ascertained that the 
water holds in solution iron, magnesia, lime, alum, 
soda, and potassa. 

These springs are probably destined to acquire a 
valuable medicinal reputation, and, when properly im- 
proved, to become a place of considerable valetudinary 
resort. 

The White Sulphur Springs, in Catawba County, 
are improved for the accommodation of a large number 
of visitors. They are delightfully situated, and are in 
a very salubrious and healthy climate. 

In addition to the sulphur waters, there is here an 
excellent chalybeate spring, that has been long used to 
the great advantage of many invalids. 

These springs can be conveniently reached by the 
distant visitant by making Salisbury a point in the 
travel from the north, south, or east. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

SPRINGS OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 

Glenn's — West's — Springs in Abbeville and Laurens Districts, etc. — 
Chick's — Williamstown Springs — Artesian Well in Charleston. 

Glenn's Springs, in Spartansburg District, have con- 
siderable notoriety for their medicinal virtues. 

Professor Shepard, of Charleston, states that the 
waters of these springs are strongly impregnated with 
sulphur, and that they also contain traces of sulphate 
of magnesia, with sulphate, percarbonate, and chloride 
of lime. 

These springs are much resorted to by the people of 
the lower country. Their situation is pleasant, salu- 
brious, and healthful, and their waters are highly 
esteemed by many, particularly in dyspeptic affections. 

In the same district, and a few miles above the village 
of Spartansburg, there is a spring which is somewhat 
resorted to, and has acquired some local reputation. 

West's Spring is in the neighborhood of Glenrfs. 
It is a chalybeate of good promise. 

Chalybeate springs are found in various parts of the 
State, particularly in Abbeville and Laurens Districts. 
In Laurens three or four chalybeate and sulphur foun- 
tains are known, that arise in the slate and hornblende 
formations that exist between the Ennoree and the 
Saluda, that are worthy of public attention. 

I am indebted to the late Professor S. H. Dickson for 
the information that the springs most visited in South 
(204) 



CHARLESTON ARTESIAN WELL. 205 

Carolina are Chick's Springs, in Greenville District, on 
the Ennoree River, just below the mountains, and Wil- 
liamstown Springs, between Anderson and Greenville. 

Chick's Springs are two in number. One is slightly- 
sulphurous, and is used for hepatic and intestinal affec- 
tions and cutaneous disorders. The other is a mild 
chalybeate, and is employed as a tonic. 

The Williamstown Springs have never been ana- 
lyzed, so far as I know. They are supposed to be both 
tonic and alterative. 

Charleston Artesian Well. — The water obtained 
from this well has acquired some reputation as a reme- 
dial agent. An analysis of this water shows that one 
gallon contains nearly the third of an ounce of solid 
matter. Half of this is common salt, and three-quarters 
of the remainder are carbonate of soda. It has also 
traces of potash, bromide of magnesia, sulphate of lime, 
borate of soda, silica, and fluorine. It has been much 
used in Charleston, and many affirm that it relieves 
various derangements of the stomach and bowels. The 
late Professor Dickson informed me that horses are ex- 
tremely fond of it, and that it is believed to act upon 
them beneficially, in promoting their ready fattening, 
and giving them a smooth and glossy coat. This 
water is exported in bottles and sold in considerable 
quantities in the Northern cities. 



18* 



CHAPTER XXX. 

SPRINGS OF GEORGIA. 

Indian — Madison — Warm Springs— Gordon's — Catoosa Springs. 

The Indian Springs, in the county of Butts, are sul- 
phurous waters, and are considerably visited and much 
relied upon as remedial agents. They have been used 
with excellent effect in chronic rheumatism, and for 
various diseases of the liver and stomach. 

The Madison Springs have long been regarded as a 
pure and excellent chalybeate. They are found in the 
county of Madison, and are much visited by those who 
desire the use of iron tonics. 

The Warm Springs are in the county of Merriwether. 
Their temperature is 95 °. They have acquired con- 
siderable reputation for the cure of rheumatism, gout, 
and other chronic affections for which such waters are 
commonly employed. 

They are all situated in pleasant and salubrious dis- 
tricts, and so far elevated above the sea-board as to 
secure them against malarial influences. 

Professor Richard D. Arnold, of Savannah, in a com- 
munication to Dr. Bell, thus speaks of this and the In- 
dian Spring waters : — 

"You have chalybeate springs in abundance at the 
North, but I doubt very much if any two springs can 
anywhere be found combining such decided medicinal 
qualities as the Indian and the Merriwether Warm 
Springs. They are also of very easy access from the 
( 2 ° 6 ) 



GORDON'S SPRINGS.— CATOOSA SPRINGS. 



207 



North. One of our fine sea-steamers would land a 
patient at our wharves in sixty hours from New York, 
and our railroad would convey him to within sixteen 
miles of the Indian Springs and about fifty of the Warm 
Springs. The former would be reached within four 
and a half days of travel from New York, and the latter 
within five and a half days." 

Gordon's Springs, in the county of Murray, and 
Rowland's Springs, in the county of Cass, are cha- 
lybeates, and, within the last few years, are said to be 
attracting some attention from invalids. 

Catoosa Springs are in the county of Catoosa, in 
the extreme western part of the State. They have not 
been analyzed, but are regarded as a saline chalybeate. 
They have been improved for the accommodation of 
several hundred persons, and are much visited during 
the watering-season. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

SPRINGS OF ALABAMA. 
Bladen Springs — Bailey's Spring — Tallahatta Springs. 

Alabama has several springs of decidedly marked 
properties, the most noted of which is — 

Bladen Springs, in the county of Clarke. These 
springs are within three miles of the Tombecbee River, 
eighty-five from Mobile, and seven from Coffeeville. 
The country surrounding them is broken and hilly, 
with a forest growth of pine, hickory, oak, etc., and 
is well supplied with wholesome water. 

The accommodations at the springs are sufficient for 
several hundred visitors. 

Six fountains, differing slightly from each other, 
issue from the earth within a small compass, furnishing 
an abundant supply of water. 

Professor Brumby, of the University of Alabama, 
has analyzed the Bladen waters,* and from a wine pint 
obtained the following results: — 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, quantity not ascertained. 

Carbonic acid gas 4-Q75 cubic inches. 

Chloride of sodium..... 0.9625 

Oxide of iron 0.0300 " 

Sulphate of lime 0.00I9 

Crenic aid 0.0912 

Loss 0.0400 " 

Carbonate of soda 4.1112 



* We are indebted to Dr. Bell's work on " Mineral and Thermal 
Springs" for many facts in reference to the springs of the extreme 
Southern States. 
(208) 



BAILEY'S SPRING. 



209 



Carbonate of lime 0.3437 cubic inches. 

Carbonate of magnesia 0.1706 " 

Silica of alumina 0.2631 " 

Apocrenic acid 0.0750 

The relatively large amount of carbonate of soda, 
with free carbonic acid, in this spring, classes it among 
the acidulous waters. 

In various affections of the stomach, bowels, and 
kidneys, as well as in chronic rheumatism and diseases 
of the skin, the Bladen waters would prove valuable. 

Bailey's Spring is in Lauderdale County, nine miles 
from Florence, and fourteen from Tuscumbia. The 
water is cool, transparent, and essentially tasteless. 

It has been chemically examined by Dr. Curry, of 
Knoxville, and is shown to contain sulphuretted hydro- 
gen, carbonic acid, carbonates of soda and magnesia, 
oxide of iron in union with carbonic acid, carbonate of 
potash, and chloride of sodium. 

The composition of this water shows that it would 
prove valuable in the various functional disorders of the 
abdominal and pelvic organs, in mercurial diseases, and 
generally in chronic affections of the skin, as well as in 
rheumatism and gout. 

Besides the springs before noticed, the Tallahatta 
Springs are much visited by persons in that part of the 
State. These waters are said to contain sulphur, mag- 
nesia, lime, and the salts of iron. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



SPRINGS OF MISSISSIPPI. 



Cooper's Well — Ocean Springs. 



Cooper's Well is the most noted mineral fountain 
in Mississippi ; it is in the county of Hinds, twelve 
miles west of Jackson, and four from Raymond, the 
shire town of the county, and near the Jackson Rail- 
road. 

The water rises in an artesian well, one hundred and 
seven feet deep, through solid sandstone rock. The 
surrounding country is broken and diversified, and is 
thought to be dry and salubrious. The water of this 
well is an active saline chalybeate. 

An analysis of one gallon of the water, by Dr. J. 
Lawrence Smith, gives in gaseous contents : — 

Oxygen 6.5 cubic inches. 

Nitrogen 4.5 

Carbonic acid 4.0 " 

Solid contents : — 

Sulphate of soda ii-7°5 grains. 

Sulphate of magnesia 23.280 

Sulphate of lime 32.132 

Sulphate of potash 0.608 

Sulphate of alumina 6.120 

Chloride of sodium 8.360 

Chloride of calcium 4.322 

Chloride of magnesium 3.480 

Peroxide of iron 3.362 

Crenate of lime 0.311 

Crenate of silica. 1.801 



(2IO) 



105.471 



COOPER'S WELL. 211 

The deposit obtained by evaporating the water con- 
tains in one hundred and five grains — 

Water 38 grains. 

Chloride of lime 2 " 

Sulphate of lime 25 '* 

Peroxide of iron 25 " 

This water is said to lose none of its qualities by 
being kept from the fountain. 

The water of Cooper's Well enjoys a high reputation 
in dyspepsia and the various intestinal diseases of long 
standing ; in liver complaints, chronic inflammation 
of the bladder, in dropsy, and especially in chronic 
diarrhoea. Its analysis shows that it is a medicinal 
agent of very decided powers. 

Dr. Foster's case, as reported by Dr. I. M. Sims, of 
Montgomery, Alabama, is very remarkable. It was a 
chronic diarrhoea in its worst form, emaciation extreme, 
skin dry, eyes sunken, expression so ghastly as to cause 
a lady to faint at sight of him, small and feeble pulse, 
frequent and copious dejections from the bowels. Dr. 
F. commenced by taking a wineglassful of the water 
four times during the day, gradually increasing the 
amount until he drank a pint in the course of the day. 
In eight weeks he was cured, and returned home a well 
man. 

The medical properties of this water are cathartic or 
aperient, according to the quantity taken. It also exerts 
diuretic, sudorific, tonic, and alterative influences upon 
the system. As an alterative, its influence upon the 
blood and upon diseased organs and tissues is especially 
worthy of notice. The efficacy of the water in various 
diseases usually unmanageable in the hands of physi- 
cians commends it to the attention of the medical pro- 
fession ; while the promptness and certainty of its 
action entitle it to the hopeful consideration of the 
invalid. 

To the various diseases of the abdominal and pelvic 



212 SPRINGS OF MISSISSIPPI. 

regions this water is well adapted. Among these, dis- 
eases of the biliary organs unattended with obstinate 
obstructions, dyspeptic depravities, and chronic diar- 
rhoea, are treated by it with great success. 

While as a remedy in that scourge of the South, 
chronic diarrhoea, this water may be looked to gener- 
ally with great hope, a careful discrimination is never- 
theless necessary in using it in such cases, for, if the 
diarrhoea be connected with, or dependent upon, a 
diseased condition of the lungs, it would prove posi- 
tively injurious, and hasten a fatal tendency. 

The Ocean Springs are situated in the pine hills of 
Jackson County, five miles from the town of Biloxi, 
half a mile from Biloxi Bay, and near Fort Bayou. 

One gallon of this water has in gaseous contents — 

Carbonic acid 4-632 grains. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen 0.481 " 

In solid contents — 

Chloride of sodium 47-77Q grains. 

Chloride of calcium 3.882 

Chloride of magnesia 4-9^9 " 

Protoxide of iron 4-712 " 

With traces of iodine, organic matter, chloride of potassium, and 
alumina. 

Dr. Bell, in quoting Dr. J. Lawrence Smith, remarks 
that the iron is doubtless in combination with both the 
sulphuretted hydrogen and carbonic acid gases ; the 
excess of carbonic acid holding both these combina- 
tions in solution. 

Dr. Austin, of New Orleans, in a letter to Dr. Bell, 
states that striking cures have been wrought by these 
waters in many chronic diseases ; among them are af- 
fections of the skin, scrofula, dyspepsia, and strumous 
ophthalmia. 

The Ocean Springs are very easy of approach both 
from New Orleans and Mobile, being about ninety miles 
distant from both places. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

SPRINGS OF ARKANSAS AND FLORIDA. 

The Hot Springs of Arkansas, commonly known 
as the Washita Springs, are among the most remark- 
able thermal fountains in the world. 

They are located in Hot Springs County, latitude 
34 5', longitude 16 1', about fifty-five miles south- 
west from Little Rock. Hot Spring Valley runs due 
north and south between the two spurs of the Ozark 
Mountains, through which a bold creek heads its way 
over an almost unbroken bed of slate, emptying into 
the Ouachita River, about five miles distant. 

Hot Springs Mountain lies on the east of the valley, 
from the west side of which gush the Hot Springs, 
rising upwards of two hundred feet from the level of 
the valley, and from the very base, and many from the 
bottom of the creek; the valley is about three hundred 
feet wide, and eight hundred yards in length. Fifty- 
four hot springs have been tested in temperature, whilst 
many at the bottom of the creek, and under the ledges, 
cannot be, except with too great labor. About 350 
gallons of hot water arc discharged into the creek per 
minute from said fifty-four springs, which affords the 
enormous yield of 504,000 gallons in twenty-four hours. 
The largest spring discharges 60 gallons of hot water 
per minute, at a temperature of 14 8°, and will cook eggs 
in fifteen minutes. There is only one hot spring on 
the west side of the creek, called the alum, and im- 
mediately opposite, on the east side, one of sulphur, 
though very slightly impregnated with either. There 

19 ('213) 



214 



SPRINGS OF ARKANSAS. 



are only four cold-water springs in the vicinity of the 
Hot Springs, viz. : one chalybeate 70 temperature, 
south end of valley, two freestone 70 temperature, 
north end, and one chalybeate 6g°, quarter-mile north- 
east. There are two wells in the valley about twenty 
feet deep, 70 temperature. Water boils on the sum- 
mit of Hot Spring Mountain at 208 : scant five hun- 
dred and twenty feet elevation for each degree less 
212 , gives nearly twenty-one hundred feet above the 
level of the sea. In Hot Springs Valley water boils at 
209 , which makes Hot Springs Mountain five hundred 
and sixty feet above the valley. 

On the summit of the mountain are heavy pine and 
oak timber, abounding with clusters of grape-vines, 
huge masses of quartz rock, -apparently upheaved by 
some convulsion of nature ; immediately below the 
summit, sharp-cornered broken honey-comb rocks, with 
sparkling surfaces ; still lower, a heavy undergrowth of 
pines and other trees, and from thence, where the Hot 
Springs flow to the base, calcareous tufa. 

These springs vary in temperature from ioo° to 148 
Fahr. These results were arrived at by testing them at 
three different hours of the day, viz., between four and 
six o'clock a.m., at twelve m., and between four and 
six p.m. There is no perceptible difference in the 
temperature tested at these several periods. 

The vapor baths that have been constructed here 
stand at 112 , the douche, a spirit bath, at 120 , and 
the saving bath at 116 , the two latter varying slightly, 
from the negligence of the attendants. 

The analysis, by Dr. Owen, of what is termed the 
Rector House Well, shows it to contain bicarbonates 
of lime, magnesia, and iron, subcarbonates of magnesia, 
iron, and soda, chloride of sodium, and sulphates of 
soda and magnesia in small quantities. 

The medicinal effect of this water, internally used, 
is slightly aperient, antacid, and tonic. 

It has been observed by Dr. Owen that all the springs, 



HOT SPRINGS. 



215 



wells, and water-courses of this region of country par- 
take of some mineral impregnation in a greater or less 
degree. 

A heavy fog continually hangs over these springs, 
and upon the sides of the mountains, giving the neigh- 
borhood the appearance, at a little distance, of a num- 
ber of furnaces in active operation. 

The water is, essentially, tasteless, very clear, pure, 
and transparent, and does not deposit sediment by 
standing. 

Near the edges of the springs is found luxuriously 
growing a species of green algaz, which seems to de- 
light in these natural hotbeds, while the sides of the 
mountain are covered with luxuriant vines, continually 
watered by the condensation of the vapor from the 
springs. 

Mr. Featherstonehaugh, in his "Geological Report of 
1835," remarks that the lofty ridges around these springs 
consist of old red sandstone formation. Upon the 
eastern ridge are found fragments of the rock, often 
ferruginous, with conglomerate united by ferruginous 
cement. Upon the side of this ridge is found frav- 
ertin, deposited by the mineral waters, extending the 
distance of one hundred and fifty yards, resting upon 
the old red sandstone, presenting, sometimes, abrupt 
escarpments of from fifteen to twenty feet. 

Dr. G. W. Lawrence, a gentleman eminent in the 
profession, and who for many years has resided as a 
practitioner at these springs, has kindly favored me 
with a communication upon their therapeutic character, 
from which I make the following extracts : — 

"As a stimulant, when taken internally, it arouses the 
absorbent and secreting system, stimulates the hcemic glands, 
produces more rapid metamorphosis, and ' alterant' action 
is the result. The water is easily assimilated and brought 
rapidly into the circulating system ; thus producing, when 
elaborated, active eliminativc agency. Thus we have 
all the blood-making organs aroused by the pure, taste- 



2i6 SPRINGS OF ARKANSAS. 

less, inodorous, natural stimulant, through the medium 
of the blood. It rapidly courses every part of the cir- 
culation, and if no organic disease exists, the efficacy, as 
an adjunct, in the treatment of all blood diseases, is some- 
times truly marvelous. 

" In uterine diseases, as a class, these waters are un- 
rivaled in efficacy. In that tedious form of chronic 
metritis where ulcerative action ensues, and neuralgia 
and functional difficulties follow, no agency can be 
made more valuable to the sufferer. 

" Where sterility is alone functional, the causes can 
generally be relieved by the judicious use (internally 
and externally) of the waters. Cutaneous diseases, 
the opprobrium generally of the medical profession, 
especially when of a specific type, are treated here with 
the greatest advantages, — not only from the agreeable 
detergent action of the baths, or the maceration of old 
morbid surface-tissues that are cleansed, but in the treat- 
ment of all skin-diseases, where we find integumentary 
alterations or lesions existing, the natural tepid, warm, 
and hot baths in efficiency cannot be excelled. In all 
rheumatic conditions of the system, after the acute or in- 
flammatory action subsides, the thermal waters enjoy 
great celebrity for their good qualities and curative 
properties. In the treatment of gout and gouty rheu- 
matism, the waters have like reputation in controlling 
the 'diathesis,' if persistently used as directed. As 
remedial adjuncts in the treatment of scrofula, syphilis, 
7nercurio- syphilis , mercurial diseases, and climatic (ma- 
larial) ills, where prompt ' depurative 1 and ' eliminative* 
agency is demanded, these waters have no superior, in 
fact stand unrivaled, in combined properties, for that 
agency. In all diseases of the brain or lesions of the 
spinal marrow, these waters are positively injurious. 
Experience, with careful circumspection, satisfies me 
that the waters should not be used in epilepsy, except it 
is purely of functional origin. Females should avoid, 
if possible, the treatment of chronic diseases during 



SPRINGS OF FLORIDA. 



217 



pregnancy, as unpleasant results are very apt to follow 
general bathing. 

"In all diseases of the lungs, or bronchial tubes, 
without specific origin, all natural thermal waters are 
undesirable, as they oppress respiration by stimulating 
circulatory action, and cause an afflux of blood to the 
bronchial surfaces. In organic diseases of the heart, 
thermal waters (either natural or artificial) should not 
be used." 

About three miles from the Hot Springs there is a 
chalybeate spring, which is said to be of very fine quality. 

In Montgomery County, forty miles from the Hot 
Springs, is a spring known as "Bill Iron's Salt Sul- 
phur," which is said to possess highly exhilarating prop- 
erties, so much so as to produce the peculiar symptoms 
of incipient intoxication. 

SPRINGS OF FLORIDA. 

There are light sulphurous waters in various parts of 
Florida, but none have become places of large visita- 
tion. Among these may be mentioned the Sulphur 
Spring near Tampa. It arises from a bed of limestone. 
The water is remarkably clear and transparent, and 
forms a basin at its source eighteen feet deep. 

There are several springs on the St. John's and 
Suwanee Rivers, known as the Magnolia, the Walake, 
and the Enterprise Springs, — all sulphurous. 

At the Magnolia, a sanatarium has been established 
for the reception of invalids who may wish to spend 
the winter in that climate. 

We are told, by a writer in the Floridian Journal, 
that Florida greatly abounds in mineral waters, and 
that their solid contents consist generally of the sul- 
phates of lime, soda, and magnesia, with oxide of iron ; 
their gaseous contents of sulphuretted hydrogen, car- 
bonic acid, and nitrogen gases. But too little, as yet, 
is known of these springs to determine with certainty 
their relative or positive merits. 
19* 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

MINERAL SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 

Saratoga and Ballston Group — Classification of Waters — Geological 
Position — Thermalization of Waters — Analysis of Various Springs, 
etc. 

Next to Virginia, New York is more distinguished 
for the number and variety of her mineral springs than 
any State of the Union. With less variety in the com- 
position of her waters than Virginia, she nevertheless 
possesses some of very high medicinal character, and 
that have more largely attracted public attention than 
any other waters in America. I allude, of course, to 
the distinguished group known as the Saratoga and 
Ballston Springs. This entire group possesses essentially 
the same properties and virtues; the difference between 
the several springs consisting merely in the proportions 
of their relative gaseous and saline contents. 

The famous series of springs at Saratoga comprise 
the several springs known as Congress, Putnam,. Pavil- 
ion, High Rock, Iodine, Flat Rock, Hamilton, Colum- 
bian, Washington, Empire, Saratoga Alum, Geyser, 
Star, Halthorn, Excelsior, Seltzer, and Red Spring. 

The village of Ballston Spa lies about seven miles 
southwest from Saratoga. The large resort to this 
place, on account of its mineral springs, makes it, like 
Saratoga, a place of considerable notoriety. 

The mineral springs of Ballston comprise the Sans 
Souci, Low' s Park, the New and the Old Washington 
Springs, and the Sulphur Spring. 

The waters of Ballston, with the exception of the 
(218) 



SARATOGA AND BALLSTON. 



219 



Sulphur Spring, evidently belong to the same class with 
those of the Saratoga group. And although they do 
not contain quite so large a proportion of saline quali- 
ties as some of the Saratoga fountains, they are, never- 
theless, entitled to rank high among the acidulous 
chalybeate waters of our country. 

In classifying the Saratoga and Ballston springs, we 
may well regard them as acidulo- saline or carbonated 
saline waters. Their large amount of carbonic acid 
gas and of carbonates, with their heavy impregnation 
with chloride of sodium, distinctly assigns them to this 
class. 

The great Appalachian chain of geological upheav- 
ings, extending through Virginia and West Virginia, 
and furnishing such an extensive series of thermal and 
medicated waters, is probably on the same or a parallel 
axis with that which gives the famous waters of Saratoga 
and Ballston. 

The fact that the various springs of Saratoga and 
Ballston hold in solution essentially the same ingre- 
dients, and differ from each other only in the quantity 
of ingredients common to all, goes to show that they 
derive their distinctive qualities from one common 
source, but are modified to some extent in their pas- 
sage to the surface of the earth by the peculiar character 
of the different strata through which they have passed. 

"If," says Dr. Bell,* " we admit the correctness of 
Dr. Daubeny's observation, that the temperature of the 
water of the Congress spring at Saratoga, 51 Fahr., is 
three or four degrees above the mean temperature of 
the earth at this place, we can give credence to the 
opinion of the thermal origin of the water, and of the 
mode of extrication of the carbonic acid so largely 
found ; it being brought about by subterranean heat 
acting on limestone rocks. The first process would 
consist of the junction of carbonic acid coming through 

* Mineral and Thermal Waters of the United States and Canada. 



220 SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 

the clefts and small canals, with the meteoric water 
which had reached its greatest depth and was begin- 
ning to rise in larger canals. The second process 
would be the decomposition and solution of portions 
of certain rocks, and the formation of acidulous springs, 
rich in carbonic acid and carbonates. The same heat 
which would drive off carbonic acid from limestone 
would readily raise the temperature of the meteoric 
water which finds its way into the interior of the earth, 
and we should then have thermal — warm and hot — 
springs. Reasoning in this way, we can easily adopt 
the views of those who maintain that carbonated and 
thermal springs are similar in their mineral, and still 
more in their geological, position, and seem to be 
plainly referable to the same system of causes." 

Admitting the correctness of the supposition that 
subterranean heat may be sufficient to eliminate car- 
bonic acid from limestone, and so to heat meteoric 
water in the bowels of the earth as to return it to the 
surface in the form of hot and warm springs, a question 
for the curious still remains to be mooted. Is this sub- 
terranean heat volcanic, and consequently local, or is 
it from the great "central heat" of the earth, con- 
tended for by Mr. Daubeny and others ? Many geo- 
logical appearances in the regions in which we find 
thermal waters, not to mention the extensive upheav- 
ings and displacement of strata generally found in the 
neighborhood of such springs, lend some countenance 
to the volcanic origin of such waters. On the other 
hand, the theory of the central heat of the earth, which 
alleges that the earth's heat increases about one degree 
for every hundred feet we descend in it, while it has 
been occasionally sustained by deep artesian borings, 
has, on the other hand, been so often refuted by such 
borings, that it seems unsafe, in the absence of more 
conclusive proof, to adopt it as a fixed and well-de- 
termined fact. 



SARATOGA SPRINGS. 22 1 



CONGRESS SPRING. 

The following is the analysis of the Congress water, 
as made by Dr. Steel : — 

He states that the temperature of the water is 50 . 
Dr. Daubeny marks it at 51 Fahr. 

Both its temperature and quantity are said to be the 
same at all seasons. 

One gallon of the water yields — 

Chloride of sodium 385.0 

Hydriodate of soda 3.5 

Carbonate of soda 

Bicarbonate of soda 8.982 

Carbonate of magnesia 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 95-788 

Carbonate of lime 98.098 

Carbonate of iron 5-°75 

Silica 1.5 

Hydrobromate of potassa a trace. 

597-943 

Gaseous contents: — 

Carbonic acid 311 cubic inches. 

Atmospheric air 7 " " 

318 " 

Dr. Chilton's examination of this water, as given by 
Dr. North, differs somewhat from the above. He found 
a minute portion of alum, sulphate of soda, iodide of 
sodium, and bromide of potassium, to the amount of 
5.920 grains to the gallon of water. According to his 
estimates, the solid and gaseous contents of the water 
in one gallon are as follows: — 

Solid contents 543-998 grains. 

Carbonic acid 284.65 cubic inches. 

Atmospheric air 5.41 " " 

290.06 " " 

Iodine was first discovered in these waters in 1828, 
and was announced in the American Journal of Science 



222 SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 

in 1829. In 1830, Mr. A. A. Hays detected bromine 
and potash in the water. The quantity of these ingre- 
dients is, however, very small, and to detect them with 
certainty it is necessary to operate on a large quantity. 

Putnam Spring. — This spring, bearing the name of 
its proprietor, is regarded as the richest chalybeate in 
the Saratoga group. It is reported as containing seven 
grains of the carbonate of iron to the gallon, in addi- 
tion to the salts common to it and the other springs. 
This, comparatively, is a heavy chalybeate impregna- 
tion. The famous Pyrmont Spring, in Westphalia, which 
enjoys, perhaps, the largest European reputation as an 
iron tonic, contains, agreeably to the analysis of M. 
Westrum, but 8 J grains of iron to the gallon ; while 
the celebrated Pouhon, at Spa, in Belgium, little if any 
less distinguished as a chalybeate tonic, contains but 
5.24 grains of iron to the gallon, according to the 
analysis of the celebrated Bergmann. 

Pavilion Spring. — The saline contents of the water 
of this spring are less than those of the Congress, being 
311.71 grains in the gallon. It, however, exceeds the 
latter in the proportion of its carbonic acid, of which 
it has 359.05 cubic inches to the gallon. This spring 
is near the Columbian Hotel, and not far from the 
centre of the town. 

Union Spring. — By Dr. Chilton's analysis, the water 
of this spring is shown to contain 392.907 grains of 
solid contents in the gallon. Its amount of carbonic 
acid is somewhat less than is found in the Pavilion, 
being. 344. 16 cubic inches in the gallon of water. This 
spring is in the eastern part of the town, and not far 
from the road leading to Schuylerville. 

High Rock. — This spring, with its conical inclosure 
of calcareous tufa, evidently the deposit of its own 



SARATOGA SPRINGS. 



223 



waters, deserves to be regarded among the interesting 
curiosities of our country. The venerable Dr. Seaman 
remarks, in reference to it, that if it "had been upon 
the borders of the Lago d'Agnano, the noted Grotto 
del Cane, which burdens almost every book which treats 
upon the carbonic acid gas since the peculiar properties 
of that air have been known, would never have been 
heard of beyond the environs of Naples, while this 
fountain, in its place, would have been deservedly 
celebrated in story, and spread upon canvas, to the 
admiration of the world, as one of its greatest curi- 
osities." 

This unique conical structure is composed of the 
carbonates of lime and magnesia, with the oxide of 
iron, and a portion of sand and clay. When broken, 
it exhibits the impression of leaves and twigs of trees. 
Its circumference at its base is about twenty-six feet, 
and its perpendicular height four feet ; from the top of 
tbe rock to the surface of the water, two feet ; depth 
of water in the cavity of the rock, about seven and a 
half feet. The hole at the top of the rock through which 
the water is dipped is circular, and measures about ten 
inches across. 

As early as 1767, this spring was visited by Mr. Wm. 
Johnson, who used its waters with benefit for gout, and 
from this period it came rapidly into the notice and 
regard of the colonists. In the years 1784 and 1785 
some accommodations were constructed for invalids, 
and about this period the springs known as Flat 
Rock, the President, and Red Spring, first attracted 
attention. 

Dr. Steel, to whose "Analysis" I am indebted for 
this history, remarks that " the extravagant stories told 
by the first settlers of the astonishing effects of the 
1 High Rock' waters, in the cure of almost every 
species of disease, are still remembered and repeated 
by their too credulous descendants. This, in connec- 
tion with the singular and mysterious character of the 



224 



SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 



rock, continued to attach an importance to the waters, 
in the eyes of the vulgar, to which no other fountain 
will ever attain." 

The temperature of the High Rock water is 48 ; its 
specific gravity, 1006. 85, when the barometer stood at 
29.05 inches — pure water being 1000. Analysis shows 
that it contains 345.68 grains of solid ingredients, and 
309 cubic inches of gaseous contents, to the gallon of 
water. Each gallon holds in solution 5.58 grains of 
carbonate of iron. 

The Iodine, or, as it is sometimes called, Walton 
Spring, contains, according to the examinations of Pro- 
fessor Emmons, 3.5 grains of hydriodate of soda to the 
gallon of water. Its saline ingredients do not differ 
essentially from those of the neighboring fountains. Its 
chalybeate impregnation is somewhat greater than the 
water of the Congress Spring, but less than that of the 
Putnam, Union, Pavilion, and others. 

Its temperature is rendered at 47 Fahrenheit. 

The Flat Rock, Hafnilton, Columbian, and Wash- 
ington Springs, of which Dr. Steel gives the analysis, 
very nearly resemble each other, and those already de- 
scribed, in their general saline and gaseous character. 
The Flat Rock contains 5.39 grains of the carbonate of 
iron to the gallon, the Hamilton 5.39, the Columbian 
5.58, and the Washington 3.25. 

Empire Spring. — This fountain is now attracting 
considerable attention. The relatively larger portion 
of iodine, and smaller portions of iron and earthy salts, 
contained in this water, in comparison with its neigh- 
boring springs, suggest to the medical mind a prefer- 
ence for it in the treatment of several formidable chronic 
affections. 

The following is Professor Emmons's analysis of one 
gallon of the water: — 



SARATOGA SPRINGS. 225 

Chloride of sodium 269.696 

Bicarbonate of lime 141.824 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 41.984 

Bicarbonate of soda 30.848 

Hydriodate of soda or iodine 12.000 

Bicarbonate of iron a trace. 

496.3S2 
Specific gravity 1039. 

Saratoga Alum. — This is one of the Saratoga group 
of comparatively recent development. Its analysis by 
Dr. J. G. Pohle, of New York, which follows, is cal- 
culated to give it a high position among its most 
distinguished compeers: — 

Chloride of sodium 565.300 

Chloride of potassium 357 

Chlorides of calcium and magnesia traces. 

Bicarbonate of soda 6.752 

Bicarbonate of lime 56.852 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 20.480 

Bicarbonate of iron 1.724 

Sulphate of lime 448 

Sulphate of magnesia .288 

Sulphate of soda 2.500 

Sulphate of potassa .370 

Silicic acid 1.460 

Alumina 380 

Per gallon 656.911 

Free carbonic acid gas: 212 cubic inches. 

Atmospheric air 4 " " 

Pergallon .*..... 216 " " 

It will be observed from this analysis that this water 
is about ten per cent, greater in mineral properties 
than the celebrated Congress Spring j while it is four 
times that of Baden-Baden in Austria, twice that of 
Vichy in France, nearly three times greater than the 
renowned Seltzer of Germany, and five times greater 
than that of Aix-la-Chapelle in Prussia. 

The Geyser, or lt Spouting Spring" on the Ball- 
20 



226 SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 

ston road, one and a half miles south of the principal 
hotels at Saratoga, is very remarkable for the amount 
of its constituent ingredients, both solid and gaseous. 
Prof. Chandler represents it as containing 991.546 
grains of solid matters to the gallon, with 454.082 cubic 
inches of carbonic acid gas. 

The Star, Halthorn, Excelsior, Seltzer, and Red 
Spring all resemble, in the general character of their 
waters, the springs of the famous Saratoga group just 
described. 

BALLSTON SPRINGS. 

The village of Ballston is situated seven miles south- 
west from Saratoga. It derives its name from the late 
C. Eliphalet Ball, who with a number of his congrega- 
tion settled near the site of the village at the time the 
springs were first discovered. These mineral springs 
are situated in a deep marshy valley, through which 
passes a branch of the Kayaderosseras Creek. They 
were discovered in 1769. 

Of the springs composing the Ballston group of acid- 
ulous chalybeate waters, the following may be men- 
tioned : the Sans Souci, Park, Low's Well, the United 
States, Franklin, and Fulton Chalybeate. Dr. Steel re- 
marks that these waters evidently belong to the same 
class with those at Saratoga ; and if they do not con- 
tain so large a portion of the saline properties as some 
of the fountains at the latter place, which is very mani- 
fest, both from the taste and the effects, they are, un- 
questionably, entitled to rank among the best acid- 
ulous chalybeate waters which this or any other country 
affords. 

In addition to the acidulous saline chalybeate waters 
of Ballston Spa, there are several sulphurous springs 
in the neighborhood, not regarded, however, as very 
strong, which probably owe their peculiar character 
to the decomposition of the sulphuret of iron which 



BALLSTON SPRINGS. 



227 



abounds in the argillaceous slate formation common to 
this region. 

Sans Souci Spring contains, by analysis,, in one gal- 
lon of its water — 



Chloride of sodium 143-733 grains. 

Bicarbonate of soda 12.66 " 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 39-°i " 

Carbonate of lime 43-4°7 " 

Carbonate of iron 5.95 " 

Hydriodate of soda : 1.3 

Silex 1. 

247-15 

The waters of Low' 's Well are regarded as being 
almost identical with those of the Sans Souci. 

In the waters of the Park Well Dr. Steel demon- 
strated the existence of 6J grains of the carbonate of 
iron in a gallon of the water ; a somewhat larger quan- 
tity than is found in any of the other fountains. 

The United States Spring, according to Dr. Beck's 
analysis, contains in one pint of the water — 

Chloride of sodium 53-12 grains. 

Carbonate of soda . 2.11 

Carbonate of magnesia 0.72 

Carbonate of lime, with a little oxide of iron 3.65 

Sulphate of soda 0.22 

Silica 1. 00 

60.82 " 
Carbonic acid, 30.50. 
Temperature, 50 F., which-does not vary through the year. 

It will be seen, by comparing the analysis of this 
with the Congress Spring, that the latter contains a 
much larger amount, both of solid and gaseous con- 
tents, than the former. 

The Franklin Mineral Spring has been analyzed by 
Prof. C. F. Chandler, with the following results: — 

One U.S. gallon, 231 cubic inches, contains — 



228 



SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 



Chloride of sodium 659.344 grains. 

Chloride of potassium 33-93° 

Bromide of sodium 4-665 

Iodide of sodium .235 

Fluoride of calcium trace. 

Bicarbonate of lithia 6-787 

Bicarbonate of soda 94.604 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 177.868 

Bicarbonate of lime 202.332 

Bicarbonate of strontia 002 

Bicarbonate of baryta 1.231 

Bicarbonate of iron 1.609 

Sulphate of potassa 762 

Phosphate of soda on 

Biborate of soda trace. 

Alumina 263 

Silica 735 

Organic matter trace. 



Total 1184.368 

Carbonic acid gas 460.066 cubic inches. 

Density 1.0115 " 

Temperature 52 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

NEW YORK MINERAL WATERS — CONTINUED. 

Improper Use of the Saratoga Waters, and its Evils — Injurious 
Advice and Errors of Opinion as to the Nature and Use of Mineral 
Waters — Diseases for which the Saratoga Waters may be pre- 
scribed — Albany Artesian Mineral Well — Reed's Mineral Spring — 
Halleck's Spring, etc. 

It is well remarked by Dr. Steel, long the resident 
physician at Saratoga,* that "these waters are so gen- 
erally used, and their effects so seldom injurious, par- 
ticularly to persons in health, that almost every one 
who has ever drank of them assumes the prerogative 
of directing their use to others ; and were these di- 
rections always the result of experience and observa- 
tion, they certainly would be less objectionable ; but 
there are numerous persons that flock about the springs 
during the drinking season without any knowledge of 
the composition of the waters, and little or none of 
their effects, who continue to dispose of their direc- 
tions to the ignorant and unwary with no other effect 
than to injure the reputation of the water and destroy 
the prospects of the diseased. 

" Many persons who resort to the springs for the 
restoration of health seem to be governed by the idea 
that they are to recover in proportion to the amount 
they drink ; and although many who are in health may, 
and frequently do, swallow down enormous amounts 
of the water with apparent impunity, it does not fol- 



* Analysis of the Mineral Waters of Saratoga and Ballston. 
20* ( 229 ) 



230 



SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 



low that those whose stomachs are enfeebled by disease 
can take the same quantity with the same effect. 
Stomachs of this description frequently reject large 
portions of the water, and thereby protect the system 
from the disastrous consequences that would otherwise 
follow. But when it happens to be retained, the result 
is indeed distressing. The pulse becomes quick and 
feeble, the extremities cold, the head painful and 
dizzy, the bowels swollen and tender, and the whole 
train of nervous affections alarmingly increased ; and 
should the unfortunate sufferer survive the effects of 
his imprudence, it is only to a renewal of his worst 
apprehensions, from a loss of confidence in what he 
most probably considered a last resort." 

The above sensible remarks of a gentleman long 
accustomed to prescribing mineral waters, and entirely 
familiar with their potent influences for good when 
properly used, or for evil when improperly employed, 
commend themselves with great force to invalids gener- 
ally who resort to mineral fountains for relief. 

The injury done to invalids at mineral springs by 
hasty and well-intentioned but ignorant and inju- 
dicious advice, both as to the applicabilities of the 
waters and the method of using them, by persons they 
may chance to meet, can scarcely be overrated. Vari- 
ous instances have occurred of invalids being speedily 
destroyed by improperly using mineral waters, under 
the injudicious advice of ignorant and officious per- 
sons, and still more frequently have diseases been 
aggravated and confirmed through such reprehensible 
ofiiciousness, that might have been cured under sensi- 
ble and judicious instructions. Besides, the idea that 
is often spontaneously in the mind of the invalid, that 
it is "only water" he is drinking, and that it can do 
no harm if it does no good, is simply an imposition on 
his own good sense, and upon the feeblest powers 
of ratiocination. These impressions upon the mind, 
vague though they may be, are nevertheless occasion- 



SARATOGA WATERS— IMPROPER USES. 231 

ally sufficiently strong to control the action. Such 
views are most apt to find a lodgment in the minds of 
those who have decided to altogether repudiate medi- 
cine, commonly so called, and to seek their lost health 
by the use of mineral waters, not remembering that 
mineral waters are medicines, and could be of no ser- 
vice if they were not. Under the false impression of 
their non-medicinal nature, such persons will often 
take into their stomachs, in the form of draught after 
draught of sulphur waters, more medicinal material in 
one day than a judicious physician would give them in 
pill or potion in an entire week. 

It was such persistent abuse of mineral waters on the 
Continent that induced Henry IV. of France to decree 
a royal edict that no person should enter upon the use 
of a mineral water in his dominion until his case had 
been professionally examined and the suitableness and 
manner of using the water prescribed. 

When Americans shall have acquired more prudence 
upon this subject, and learned to inquire more care- 
fully into the adaptedness of mineral waters to their 
diseases, before committing themselves to their use, far 
more good will be derived by the invalid ; our mineral 
waters will be appreciated, and their character better 
established in public confidence. 

DISEASES FOR WHICH THE SARATOGA WATERS 
MAY BE PRESCRIBED. 

In reference to the proper manner of using the Sara- 
toga waters, as well as to the diseases for which they 
may be prescribed, I shall confine my remarks to a few 
general ooseruations having reference to the usual proper 
use of such agents, knowing that particular directions 
for the individual case can be most prudently and safely 
given to the patient by experienced practitioners resi- 
dent at the springs, and after such careful personal 
investigation of the case, and with such discriminating 



232 



SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 



views of its pathology, as personal examination can 
alone, in most cases, satisfactorily determine. 

The entire group of the Saratoga and Ballston waters 
may properly be regarded, as I have before stated, as 
distinctly belonging to the saline acidulous class, with 
chalybeate salts so prominent in some of them as to 
modify, in an important degree, their influence upon 
the animal economy. Their prominent therapeutic 
effects are those of active aperient and diuretic action. 

A numerous class of visitors at mineral springs are 
those who are rather threatened with, than actually 
laboring under, a distinctly located disease. As promi- 
nent in this class of visitors, we find those who surfer 
under a preternatural fullness of the blood-vessels, and 
especially of the veins, with a tendency to congestion 
in some of the large internal organs, with a sense of 
fullness or heaviness in the abdominal regions. This 
condition is often occasioned from slow and imperfect 
digestion, and, consequently, by too long retention of 
food in the stomach, from local and general accumula- 
tions in the large intestines, and not uncommonly from 
an engorged liver or spleen, with a sluggish circulation, 
and sometimes a throbbing sensation in the portal sys- 
tem. This morbid state of the system is made to bear 
different names as one or another organ seems to be 
more especially affected. 

The morbid tendencies of this condition are very 
numerous. Even in its incipiency it is prone, from 
hygienic or morbid causes, to run into obstinate con- 
gestions, irritations, or actual inflammations. Some- 
times it results in cephalic or pectoral accumulations, 
giving occasion for apoplexy, asthma, etc. In other 
cases, the system seems to make a violent external 
effort to relieve its internal oppressions through an 
acute attack of rheumatism or gout ; or by eruptions 
upon the surface, carbuncles, boils, or erysipelatous in- 
flammations. The most common winding up of this 
general plethoric condition is a confirmed dyspepsia, 



DISEASES— GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 233 

attended with faulty and irregular secretions from the 
liver, ultimately giving rise to intestinal or thoracic 
neuralgia. 

Space will not allow me to trace out the various 
and multiform disorders and disorganizations that may, 
and often do, result from the venous plethora and ab- 
dominal accumulations alluded to ; nor is this, per- 
haps, the proper place to do so. I remark, however, 
that, in the condition of the system alluded to, and 
especially in its early stages, the Saratoga waters, and 
of choice the more purgative of them, afford a remedy 
entitled to great confidence, and, generally, speedily 
beneficial in its effects. 

In such cases they should be so used as to produce 
copious evacuations from the bowels for two or three 
weeks. The more purgative waters, such as the Con- 
gress Spring, being taken early in the morning to pro- 
duce this effect, the patient may, with advantage, use 
small quantities of some of the more ferruginated waters 
in the evening, such as the Putnam, or High Rock 
Spring. 

In recent attacks of biliary affections, unattended 
with fever or general excitement, the Congress waters 
have proved very beneficial. In such cases, Dr. Steel, 
long a resident physician at the springs, says he was in 
the habit of giving a few grains of calomel or blue pill 
at night, and following it in the morning with a suf- 
ficient quantity of water to move the bowels briskly two 
or three times. A few doses of this description usually 
put the bowels in a situation to be more easily acted 
upon by the water alone. In the more advanced stage 
of bilious affections, says Dr. Steel, ''where the organi- 
zation of the liver and other viscera has materially 
suffered, and the disposition to general hydrops, in- 
dicated by the enlargement of the extremities, fullness 
of the abdomen, etc., the waters are, all of them, mani- 
festly injurious, and ought not to be admitted, even as 
an adjunctive remedy." 



234 



SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 



In the various dyspeptic depravities these waters have 
long maintained a high and well-deserved reputation. 
The Congress Spring is most generally used for these 
affections. It is best taken in the morning for such 
cases, about an hour before breakfast, in sufficient 
quantity to move the bowels gently once or twice. For 
this purpose, from two to four or five tumblerfuls, 
taken at intervals of ten or fifteen minutes apart, will 
generally be sufficient. 

In calculous or nephritic complaints, these waters have 
been long employed with great advantage, and well- 
attested instances are given of their effecting complete 
cures in such cases. The water, in such diseases, 
should be so drunk as to keep the bowels gently open 
and to keep up an increased secretion from the kidneys. 
In such cases, the use of the warm bath is an important 
auxiliary. Its temperature should be about ioo° Fahr., 
and the patient remain in it from thirty to sixty minutes. 

In chronic rheumatism, Dr. Steel asserts that the 
waters have been long employed with advantage. In 
such cases, he gives preference to the Congress Spring. 

For arthritis or gout, the waters are regarded as an 
uncertain remedy. In the early or forming stages of 
the disorder they may prove beneficial, but when the 
disease has become confirmed, and is of long continu- 
ance, the effects of the water are doubtful, and cases 
have occurred where their use induced a recurrence of 
the paroxysm. 

In ill-conditioned ulcers and cutaneous eruptions, as 
well as in the enfeebled condition of the system follow- 
ing & protracted mercurial course, the use of the waters 
has proved very beneficial. 

Scrofula is another disease in which the Saratoga 
waters have been often used, and Dr. Steel remarks 
that "experience abundantly sanctions the belief of 
their utility in that complaint." 

The large proportion ' of iodine which Professor 
Emmons detects in the Empire Spring seems clearly 



ALBANY ARTESIAN MINERAL WELLS. 



235 



to indicate a preference for that fountain in the treat- 
ment of this class of affections. 

In dropsical affections 'the Saratoga waters should only 
be prescribed under careful discrimination. When the 
disease depends upon long-continued organic derange- 
ment, they will prove injurious. On the other hand, 
when the affection is recent, and dependent upon the 
want of sufficient action in the absorbent vessels, they 
will be beneficial, and their use in such cases will prob- 
ably result in removing the morbid accumulations. 

Paralysis, under the active purgative operation of 
the waters, is sometimes benefited. 

Chlorosis and other complaints peculiar to females 
are often treated by these waters with good success. In 
such cases, the waters in which the tonic properties most 
abound are to be preferred, and much advantage will 
generally be derived from frequent bathing, and pleas- 
urable exercise unconnected with exhaustion or fatigue. 

In phthisical complaints that arise from a primary 
affection of the lungs, the Saratoga waters are injurious, 
and ought not to be used. But in congestions of the 
bronchial surfaces, as well as in translated or sympa- 
thetic affections from abdominal origin making a lodg- 
ment in the chest, and unattended with any general 
strumous tendency, the waters of the Empire Spring 
might, probably, be safely and advantageously em- 
ployed. 

Albany Artesian Mineral Wells. — Messrs. Boyd 
and McCullock, in boring for pure water to supply 
their brewery, struck at the depth of four hundred and 
eighty feet a saline water abounding in the carbonates 
and carbonic acid, and emitting at the same time car- 
buretted hydrogen or burning gas. On continuing the 
boring to the depth of six hundred feet, the flow of the 
carbonated water and gas continued. Another boring 
was effected to the same depth, a few rods from the 
first, with the same results and the singular addition of 



236 SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 

the escape of sulphuretted hydrogen gas from a small 
stream of water that was struck at thirty feet below the 
surface. From this, Dr. Beck concludes that "in the 
same slate formation, though at different depths, sul- 
phuretted hydrogen, carburetted hydrogen, and car- 
bonic acid gases are abundantly evolved." The same 
writer thinks it probable that carbonated waters might 
be found by boring at any point on the range from 
Saratoga to Albany. 

The temperature of the water of the Albany well is 
51 to 5 2 Fahr. Its specific gravity is 1.00900. 

Dr. Beck's analysis of one pint of water shows the 
following results : — 

Chloride of sodium 59.00 grains. 

Carbonate of soda 5.00 " 

Carbonate of lime 4.00 " 

Carbonate of magnesia 1.50 " 

Carbonate of iron, with a little silica 1.00 " 

Chloride of calcium 0.50 " 

71.00 " 
Gaseous contents, 28 cubic inches. 

Reed's Mineral Spring, in Washington County, 
is an acidulous spring, not very dissimilar from the 
waters of Saratoga, but containing less gas, and con- 
sequently less sparkling. Its taste is somewhat acidu- 
lous. 

Halleck's Spring, in Oneida County, and near the 
village of Hampton, was discovered by boring to the 
depth of one hundred and six feet into a solid rock. 

Professor Noyes analyzed this water, and obtained 
from one pint the following results : — 

Chloride of sodium 78.00 grains. 

Chloride of calcium 13.00 " 

Chloride of magnesia 4.00 " 

Sulphate of lime 5.00 " 

100.00 " 



CHALYBEATE SPRINGS. 



237 



This spring is said to evolve carburetted or burning 
gas in considerable quantities, with a small proportion 
of carbonic acid. It would seem from the composition 
of its waters to belong to the class of weak brine or 
salt springs. 

Near Catskill, in Greene County, and in Rensselaer 
County, a mile from the village of Sandlake, strong 
chalybeate springs are found. 

Other springs of the same character are found in 
Delaware, Dutchess, and Columbia Counties. 



21 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

NEW YORK SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Sharon Springs — Avon Springs — Richfield Springs. 

Waters to some extent impregnated with sulphur 
exist in almost every great section of the State of New 
York; but few of these springs, however, have been 
extensively improved for public use, or are so strongly 
charged with gas and rich in solid medicinal materials 
as to make them objects of more than local interest. 
There are, however, several strong exceptions to this 
general remark, and especially the waters of the Sharon 
and Avon Springs, which have acquired quite an ex- 
tended reputation. 

As is found to be the case in Virginia, the sulphur 
springs of New York are generally on, or not very 
remote from, the lines of fracture or disturbance in 
the strata of the earth from subterranean causes. The 
Sharon is said to be the strongest exception to this 
general law of their location. 

Mr. Hall, who made a geological survey of a portion 
of this State, remarks that springs which issue from 
different classes of rock are marked by a general 
character and aspect which indicate their relative 
geological positions. "In the strata of the Niagara 
group the water has usually a dark appearance in the 
spring, though it is limpid and differs essentially from 
the waters of the salt group, while in higher rocks it is 
not only less copious, but it is often marked by a black 

038) 



SHARON SPRINGS. 239 

and red deposit, as well as sometimes a whitish stain 
upon the rock or at the bottom of the spring." These 
springs, however widely separated, have been observed 
to have a temperature somewhat above the common 
springs of their neighborhood. The same fact has 
been observed in reference to the sulphurous springs so 
abundantly found in Virginia, going to show a com- 
mon cause for the general thermalization of such waters. 

SHARON SPRINGS. 

These springs are in the county of Schoharie, and 
near the village of Leesville. According to Dr. Beck, 
they arise from pyritous slates, underlying strata of 
Helderberg limestone. 

The two springs most noted are called White Sulphur 
and Magnesia. 

The White Sulphur has been analyzed by Dr. J. R. 
Chilton, of the city of New York, who obtained the 
following results from one pint of the water : — 

Sulphate of magnesia 2.65 grains. 

Sulphate of lime 6.98 " 

Chloride of sodium 0.14 

Chloride of magnesium 0.15 " 

Hydrosulphuret of sodium ) ,, 

Hydrosulphuret of calcium J °' * 

10.06 " 

Sulphuretted hydrogen gas, 1 cubic inch. 

Dr. Beck remarks "that sulphate of lime in small 
fresh perfect crystals is found near the springs in con- 
siderable abundance." 

Dr. Bell remarks, after quoting the analysis given 
above, that the "solid contents of a gallon of this 
water,* as determined by the same chemist, are 160.94 
grains, and the amount of sulphuretted hydrogen gas 

* Mineral and Thermal Springs. 



240 



NEW YORK SULPHUR SPRINGS. 



1 6 inches. The results, as reported by Dr. North, 
are at variance with the preceding table of reduction 
to a pint made by Dr. Beck, still from Dr. Chilton's 
analysis." 

The Magnesia Spring, according to the analysis of 
Professor Reed, of New York, contains the following 
ingredients in one gallon of water: — 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 30.5 grains. 

Sulphate of magnesia 22.7 " 

Sulphate of lime 76.0 " 

Hydrosulphates of magnesia and lime 0.5 " 

Chloride of sodium and magnesia 3.0 " 

• 132.7 " 

Sulphuretted hydrogen gas, 3.3 inches. 

In looking to the relative character of the Sharon 
waters, we find them most to resemble the Avon Springs 
of New York, and the White Sulphur Springs of Vir- 
ginia, and in a general way they will be found adapted 
to the same class of diseases for which the latter waters 
are beneficially used. 

The hotel accommodations for visitors at Sharon are 
represented as extensive and agreeable, with pleasant 
promenades through well-shaded woodlands contiguous 
to the spring, and the enjoyment of extensive and 
interesting views of the surrounding country. 

Travelers to Sharon, either from the north, east, or 
south, should make Albany a point where they take 
the Binghamton Railroad to Palatine Bridge, and 
thence by stage-coaches over the mountains to the 
springs. 

AVON SPRINGS. 

These springs are situated in the western part of the 
State, on the eastern branch of the Genesee River, and 
near the village of Avon. They are about eighteen 
miles from the city of Rochester, and twenty-four from 



A VON SPRINGS. 



241 



Canandaigua. They are connected with Rochester by 
a daily line of stage-coaches. The Genesee Valley 
canal-boats also land passengers within nine or ten 
miles of the springs, whence they are conveyed in 
coaches to their destination. 

The Indians of that region, it is said, knew of and 
appreciated these springs as "medicine-water" many 
years ago. The first recorded use of them by the white 
settlers was in 1792, when they were successfully used 
for a cutaneous affection. In 1795 we hear of their 
curing rheumatism of long standing, that had resisted 
successfully the skill of intelligent physicians. The 
accommodations at and near the springs are very good, 
and sufficiently extensive for a large number of visitors. 
These consist of three hotels near the springs, and two 
at the village of Avon, from which a connection is kept 
up with the springs by omnibuses. 

There were but two springs known at Avon until the 
year 1835, and these were designated as the Upper and 
Lower Springs. About that time a new one was dis- 
covered, which is known as the New Bath Spring. 
This new fountain is said to be thirty feet deep, the 
water in it rising through a calciferous slate. 

An analysis of one pint of the water of this spring 
yields the following results : — 

Carbonate of lime 3.37 grains. 

Sulphate of lime 0.44 " 

Sulphate of magnesia 1.01 " 

Sulphate of soda 4.84 " 

Chloride of sodium 0.71 " 

11.87 " 
Sulphuretted hydrogen, 3.91 cubic inches. 
Temperature of the water, 50 Fahr. ; specific gravity, 1.00356. 

The Upper, or, as it is now called, the Middle Spring, 
is about one hundred and fifty yards from the one just 
described. Its temperature is 51 Fahrenheit. 

An analysis of one pint of the water, according to 
21* 



242 NEW YORK SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

the investigations of Professor Hadley, shows the fol- 
lowing results : — 

Carbonate of lime i.oo grains. 

Sulphate of lime 10.50 " 

Sulphate of magnesia 1.25 " 

Sulphate of soda 2.00 " 

Chloride of sodium 2.30 " 

17.05 " 

Sulphuretted hydrogen 12.00 " 

Carbonic acid 5.60 " 

17.60 " 

The New Spring, Dr. Salisbury states, was formerly 
a large pool some fifty feet in diameter, and served as 
a bathing-place for the early inhabitants. It has been 
more prized as a curative agent than the others, and is 
more largely resorted to. 

In one pint of this water Dr. J. R. Chilton found — 

Carbonate of lime 3.58 grains. 

Chloride of calcium 1.05 " 

Sulphate of lime 7.17 " 

Sulphate of magnesia 6.21 " 

Sulphate of soda 1.71 " 

19.72 " 

Of gaseous contents : — 

Sulphate of hydrogen 1.32 grains. 

Carbonic acid 0.50 " 

Nitrogen 0.67 " 

And a minute fraction of atmospheric air. 

This is a uniform and very bold spring, discharging 
at every season of the year about fifty-four gallons a 
minute. Its temperature is 45 to 47 Fahr., and its 
specific gravity 1.0018. Its taste, while decidedly sul- 
phurous, is slightly bitter and saline. 

It will be observed that this water contains less sul- 
phuretted hydrogen, and more solid contents, especially 
of the purging salts, than the Upper or Middle Spring. 

In addition to the springs enumerated, there are three 



AVON WATERS. 



243 



others, called Iodine or Sylvan Springs, about two miles 
from the Lower Spring. In these the chloride of sodium 
strongly predominates, and hence their saltish taste. 
One of them has but a slight sulphurous impregnation, 
and somewhat resembles in taste the Congress water 
after its gas has escaped. We have an analysis of one 
of these springs, which shows it to contain iodide of 
sodium, with heavy impregnations of the chlorides of 
sodium and magnesium, and the sulphate of lime. 

In one gallon of the water of this spring Dr. J. R. 
Chilton found the following ingredients : — 

Chloride of magnesium 62.400 grains. 

Chloride of sodium 97-44° " 

Sulphate of lime 80.426 " 

Carbonate of magnesia 15-974 " 

Carbonate of lime 26.800 " 

Vegetable matter 240 " 

Iodide of sodium. 

296.240 " 

Sulphuretted hydrogen 20.684 cubic in. 

Carbonic acid 4-992 " 

25.676 " 

In comparing the waters of these springs with the 
waters of the White Sulphur, in Virginia, it will be 
observed that the former contains an appreciably larger 
quantity of lime than the Virginia springs, and that 
their sulphate of soda and sulphate of magnesia are 
somewhat in excess of the Virginia waters. The 
chloride of sodium, existing so largely in the Iodine 
or Sylvan Spring, and to an appreciable extent in the 
Lower and New Spring, is discovered only in the very 
minute portion of about half a grain to the gallon in 
the Virginia White Sulphur. 

Many peculiar operative effects of these waters, as 
noticed by Dr. Salisbury in his valuable little work 
on the Avon Springs, are strikingly the same that I 
noticed in this and the early editions of my work as 



244 NEW Y0RK SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

distinguishing the operations of the White Sulphur 
waters. Among the most striking of these are the 
facts noticed by Dr. S. of the similarity of the action 
of these waters and that of calomel, and that they 
sometimes produce copious salivation. As is the case 
with the White Sulphur, the most valuable effects of the 
Avon waters are found in their alterative or changing 
effects, and these effects are best promoted by using them 
in such doses as do not much increase the natural evacu- 
ations of the body. Like the White Sulphur, the quantity 
of sulphuretted hydrogen gas which the Avon waters 
contain is too large for its kindly effects in many cases, 
and hence Dr. S. remarks that after it has been heated, 
and therefore deprived of a portion of its gas, it be- 
comes more aperient, and that it may be used in this 
way "when the inflammatory diathesis prevails to such 
an extent as to resist its beneficial and successful ad- 
ministration in its natural state." The proper gradur 
ation of the amount of sulphuretted hydrogen gas to the 
wants and ability of the system to bear it, especially in 
commencing the use of the water, is a practical matter 
of great importance in the use of such waters, and one 
to which I have directed a careful attention for many 
years.* 

The Richfield Springs are in the county of Otsego. 
They are waters that have come into popular notice 
within the last few years, and are now largely visited. 

The analysis of these waters by Prof. Reed shows 
that one gallon of the water contains — 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 20 grains. 

Bicarbonate of lime 10 

Chloride of sodium and magnesia 1.5 

Sulphate of magnesia 30 

Hydrosulphate of magnesia and lime 2 

Sulphate of lime 20 

Sulphuretted hydrogen gas per gallon 26.6 inches. 



* See chapter vi., on the Relative Virtues of the Saline and 
Gaseous Contents of the White Sulphur Water, etc. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

NEW YORK SULPHUR AND ACIDULOUS SPRINGS. 

Clifton Springs — Chittenango Springs — Messina Sulphur Springs — 
Manlius Springs — Auburn Springs — Chappaqua Springs — Harrow- 
gate Spring — Spring at Troy — Newburg Spring — Springs in Dutch- 
ess and Columbia Counties — Catskill Spring — Nanticoke Spring — 
Dryden Springs — Rochester Spring — Springs in Monroe County: 
Gates, Mendon, and Ogden — Verona Spring — Saquoit Springs — 
Springs in Niagara County — Seneca or Deer Lick Springs — Oak 
Orchard Acid Springs — Byron Acid Springs — Lebanon Spring — 
Adirondack Spring. 

In addition to the two principal sulphurous springs 
of Sharon and Avon already noticed, there are numer- 
ous others of less public notoriety. The first of these I 
shall mention is — 

Clifton Springs. — They are situated in the county 
of Ontario, between Vienna and Canandaigua. In 
importance they should, probably, rank next to Sharon 
and Avon. The odor and taste of these waters are dis- 
tinctly sulphurous. Their temperature is 51 Fahr. 
These waters, Dr. Beck asserts, have their origin in 
hydraulic limestone, underlying a stratum of common 
limestone. There are here several springs, one of 
which is very bold and yields a large amount of water. 
No analysis of these waters has been given to the 
public, that I am aware of. 

Chittenango Springs are in the county of Madi- 
son, near Chittenango Creek. Two springs here have 
attracted attention; their temperature is 49 Fahr. 
They have been ascertained to contain the sulphates 

(245) 



246 SULPHUR SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 

and carbonates of lime, sulphate of magnesia, chloride 
of sodium, with sulphuretted hydrogen and carbonic 
acid gases. Dr. Beck remarks that these waters are 
highly esteemed in many cases of disease, and, their 
location being very eligible, he expresses the opinion 
that when they are better known they will be much 
resorted to. 

Messina Sulphur Springs are situated three miles 
northeast of Syracuse, and one mile from the Erie 
Canal. The temperature of their water is 50 Fahr., 
and its taste strongly sulphurous. It is said to have 
been used with good effects in many cases. 

An analysis of the water shows it to contain, in one 
pint — 

Carbonate of lime 1.85 grains. 

Sulphate of lime 8.55 " 

Sulphate of magnesia 1.36 " 

Chloride of calcium 1.33 " 

13.09 " 

Manlius Springs are situated in Onondaga County. 
They are slightly saline in taste, and are impregnated 
in but slight degree with sulphuretted hydrogen gas. 
They have acquired some local reputation as a reme- 
dial agent. 

In the neighborhood of these springs there is a small 
sulphurous lake, known by the name of Lake Sodom. 
We are told by Dr. Beck that the depth of this lake 
gradually increases from its northern outlet from 
twenty-five to one hundred and sixty- eight feet, and 
that water drawn from this depth is found to be highly 
impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen. The color 
of the water in this lake is a deep green, from which 
it is sometimes called Green Potid. 

Auburn Springs. — There are two springs that bear 
this name, separated several miles from each other. 



CHAP PA QUA AND HARROWGATE SPRINGS. 247 

One of these is situated two miles north of the village 
of Auburn ; the other four miles west of the same vil- 
lage. An analysis of the latter spring, by Dr. Chilton, 
shows the following ingredients in one pint of the 
water: — 

Sulphate of lime 15.00 grains. 

Sulphate of magnesia 3.20 " 

Chloride of magnesium 0.25 " 

Chloride of. sodium 0.75 " 

19.20 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, 1.5 cubic inches. 

In the valley of the Hudson, Dr. Beck mentions 
numerous sulphurous springs. They are found from 
the neighborhood of Sing Sing to Fort Miller, a dis- 
tance of one hundred and fifty miles. 

The Chappaqua Spring is four miles from Sing Sing. 
It holds in solution sulphate of lime, chloride of cal- 
cium, and the muriates of iron and magnesia. 

Harrowgate Spring is near Greenbush, in Rens- 
selaer County. 

There is also a sulphurous spring in the northern end 
of the city of Troy, in Rensselaer County. 

There are several sulphur springs in the county of 
Albany, one of them very near the city of Albany. 

The Newburg Spring, slightly impregnated with 
sulphuretted hydrogen, is in the county of Orange. 

In Dutchess and Columbia Counties there are several 
springs. The most noted one in Dutchess is near 
Ameniaville. In Columbia there is one on the farm 
of Mr. McNaughton, between* the Shaker Village and 



248 SULPHUR SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 

the Lebanon Springs, and another near the village of 
Kinderhook. 

The Catskill Spring is two miles from the village 
of Catskill, in the county of Greene. There are several 
others in the same neighborhood. 

In the southwestern part of the State we find the 
Nanticoke Spring, in the county of Broome. It has 
acquired considerable reputation. Dryden Springs are 
in the town of Dryden, in Tompkins County, ten 
miles from Ithaca. They have acquired reputation 
in their region of country, and are considerably re- 
sorted to. 

Rochester Spring, otherwise known as Longniuir's 
Sulphur Well, in the city of Rochester, is much used 
by the inhabitants of the city. It rises through a 
boring of two hundred feet in depth. It deposits, 
when heated to ioo° Fahr., carbonate of lime and 
sulphur. Its temperature at the surface is usually 5 2° 
Fahr., and its specific gravity 1.00407. One pint of 
the water contains — 

Carbonates of lime and magnesia, with a trace of iron. 1.48 grains. 

Chloride of sodium 6.52 " 

Sulphate of soda 6.99 " 



14.99 
Sulphuretted hydrogen, 2.16 cubic inches. 
Carbonic acid in small quantity. 

In the county of Monroe are the sulphurous springs 
of Gates, Mendon, and Ogden, at all of which there 
are suitable bathing arrangements and proper accom- 
modations for visitors. 

Verona Spring is in Oneida County, fourteen miles 
from Utica. Professor Noyes's analysis of the water of 
this spring shows that one pint contains — 



ACID SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 



249 



Chloride of calcium, with chloride of magnesium... 8.50 grains. 

Sulphate of lime 7.50 " 

Chloride of sodium 90.00 

106.00 
Sulphuretted hydrogen is very abundant in the water, amounting 
almost to complete saturation. 

About nine miles from Utica are the Saquoit Springs. 
Their waters are very highly impregnated with carbu- 
retted hydrogen, and contain, in considerable quanti- 
ties, the chlorides of sodium and magnesium, with a 
small portion of the sulphate of lime and a trace of 
iron. So abundant is the carburetted hydrogen in the 
water, that it is collected, conducted through tubes, 
and kept constantly burning. 

In Niagara County there are several sulphur springs; 
among them may. be mentioned those near the Falls 
of Niagara, those near Lockport, and those also in the 
neighborhood of Lewistown. 

The Seneca or Deer Lick Springs are in Erie County, 
four miles from Buffalo. They hold in solution car- 
bonates of lime, soda, and magnesia, with sulphate of 
lime. They abound richly in sulphuretted hydrogen. 

We are told that sulphurous springs are also found 
in the northern part of New York, in Lewis, Clinton, 
and St. Lawrence Counties. 



ACID SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 

In addition to the acidulo-saline and sulphurous 
waters already described, there are in New York sev- 
eral acidulous springs. The acid quality of these waters 
is owing to their holding in solution an excess of sul- 
phuric acid, which is readily detected both by their 
taste and by chemical reagents. 

22 



250 



ACID SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 



These waters are found to be so largely impregnated 
with iron in the form of a protosulphate, and with 
sulphate of alumina, as to entitle them to be called 
chalybeate or alum waters with as much propriety as 
they are called acidulous. Similar springs in Vir- 
ginia are uniformly known by the name of alum 
springs. 

Acidulated aluminous springs, partaking of the same 
general character of the acid springs of New York, 
which we are about to consider, are found in every 
neighborhood in certain geological districts in Vir- 
ginia, and especially on the eastern and western slopes 
of the Alleghany chain of mountains, through the en- 
tire district there known as the great ''Spring Region." 

Fountains of the same general character are found 
in Pennsylvania, and also in the eastern portion of 
Tennessee, and will probably be discovered along the 
entire course of the great Appalachian upheavings, or 
axis of disturbance from the extreme north to the allu- 
vial plains of the Gulf of Mexico. 

The principal springs of this class in New York are 
the Oak Orchard Springs. They are eight in number. 
Their situation is in Genesee County, eight miles south- 
east from Lockport, and about six miles from the Erie 
Canal, at the village of Medina. These waters have 
been analyzed by Professor Emmons and Dr. Chilton. 

Professor Emmons's examination of Spring No. 1 
shows that one pint of the water contains the following 
ingredients : — 

Free sulphuric acid 31-5° grains. 

Sulphate of protoxide of lime *9-5° 

Sulphate of lime 4.50 

Sulphate of magnesia 2.00 

Silica 0.33 

Organic matter 1.33 



59-i6 
Equal to 473.28 grains to the gallon. 



OAK ORCHARD SPRINGS. 251 

Spring No. 2 was found to contain but 24.25 grains 
of free acid and solid ingredients to the pint, and No. 

3 but J 9-33- 

Dr. Chilton, by an analysis of one gallon of the water 
of Spring No. 1, arrives at results strikingly different 
from those of Professor Emmons. His researches* show 
one gallon to contain — 

Free sulphuric acid 82.96 grains. 

Sulphate of lime 39.60 

Phosphate of iron I4-3 2 

Sulphate of alumina 9.68 

Sulphate of magnesia 8.28 

Silica 1.04 

Organic extractive matter 3.28 

159.16 " 
Equal to about 10 grains to the pint. 

The difference in the amount of these waters in the 
several fountains during wet and dry weather is always 
noticeable, and in some instances is very remarkable. 
Generally they are surface springs, the waters obtain- 
ing their peculiar impregnations by percolating through 
the peculiar argillite slate in which they are found. 
Whatever difficulties there may be in accounting for 
the peculiar impregnations of some mineral waters, 
there are none in reference to this class, for portions 
of the slaty rock through which the waters percolate, 
when immersed in common water, produce the very 
same impregnations that are found in the water in the 
pools in which it is collected for use. Many persons 
in the South use at their homes the Virginia alum 
waters prepared in this pro re nata way from the rock 
obtained from the various alum fountains. 

Taking Dr. Chilton's analysis as the standard, the 
Oak Orchard Springs more resemble the Rockbridge 
alum waters in Virginia than any others to which they 

• Mineral and Thermal Springs of the United States and Canada. 



252 ACID SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 

can be compared. The resemblance is only striking 
in this, however, that they both contain free sulphuric 
acid, alumina, and iron in marked proportions; the 
sulphuric acid, lime, iron, and magnesia in the New- 
York springs being greater than in the Virginia waters, 
while the alumina and silica are more than fifty per 
cent, greater in the latter. In addition to these ingre- 
dients, common to both waters, the Rockbridge Spring 
contains chlorate of sodium, crenate of ammonia, and 
free carbonic acid, ingredients not found in the Oak 
Orchard Springs. 

As therapeutic agents, this class of waters are tonic 
and astringent. In enfeebled conditions of the digest- 
ive and uterine functions, — in cases of pure atony or 
feebleness unaccompanied by inflammation or irritation 
in any of the organs, — in exhaustion from previous dis- 
ease, where the chief complaint is debility, — and in 
cases of ancemia or poverty of the blood, when uncon- 
nected with obstinate visceral obstructions, they are 
safely and beneficially prescribed. In passive hemor- 
rhages, long-continued intermittents, and dropsical ef- 
fusions, unattended with organic obstructions, and in 
leucorrhcea and chlorosis, they are often beneficial. 
In chronic diarrhoea, as well as in chronic irritations 
and debility of the kidneys, bladder, and urethra, they 
are usefully employed. The Virginia waters of this 
class have proven eminently remedial in scrofula; in- 
deed, no remedy is now attracting so much attention 
for this formidable disease, in the Southern country, as 
the alum waters. Upon this particular subject, as well 
as for a more general notice of the therapeutic range of 
such waters, I refer the reader to what has been said 
under the head of the Rockbi'idge Alum Springs. 

Dr. S. P. White* thinks favorably of the Oak 
Orchard Spring waters in some of the cutaneous dis- 

* Paper read before the New York Academy of Medicine in Decem- 
ber, 1848. Vide " Mineral and Thermal Springs of the United States," 
etc. 



BYRON AND LEBANON SPRINGS. 253 

eases, and in the colliquative sweats of hectic fever. 
He regards it as worthy of a trial in the phosphatic 
diathesis, in colica pictonum, and asthma, and also in 
chronic laryngitis, pharyngitis, and chronic conjunc- 
tivitis. 

Dr. White recommends that this water be taken in 
"about a wineglassful, diluted with simple water, three 
times a day." This dose is much smaller than I have 
been accustomed to recommend in the use of similar 
waters. The practice found most beneficial with the 
Virginia waters of the same general character is to use 
from two to six half-pint glasses in the course of the 
twenty-four hours. 

At Clifton Springs, twelve miles from Geneva, there 
is an acid spring. I have not seen an analysis of it. 

Byron Acid or Sour Springs are the names given 
to two acidulous springs in the town of Byron, Genesee 
County. One of these springs is near the Byron Hotel, 
and is remarkable for the great quantity of acid con- 
tained in its waters. It is a stream of considerable 
boldness, so much so as to be sufficient to operate a 
grist-mill. 

Dr. Beck describes this water as intensely sour, 
transparent and colorless, and of the specific gravity of 
1. 1 1304 at 6o° Fahr. Its saline matter, which is small, 
consists of silica and alumina, with a small quantity of 
oxide of iron and lime. Dr. Beck remarks that "this 
is a nearly pure, though dilute, sulphuric acid, and not 
a solution of acid salts as has been supposed, for the 
bases are in too minute a proportion to warrant the 
latter opinion." 

Lebanon Spring belongs to the thermal class of 
waters. It is in the county of Columbia. The bath- 
ing here is very delightful, the temperature of the water 
being constantly 73 Fahrenheit. Its mineral impreg- 
nation is scarcely noticeable, being only a grain and a 
22* 



254 



ACID SPRINGS OF NEW YORK. 



quarter in a pint. So abundant is the supply of this 
thermal water that it is employed to operate two or 
three mills erected at no great distance from its source. 



The Adirondack Spring was discovered in 1868. 
It is situated in the village of Whitehall, forty miles 
north of Saratoga, at the head of Lake Champlain. 

It has been analyzed by Prof. C. Collier, of Vermont 
University, who reports that one gallon of it contains — 

Acids. 

Carbonic acids, free 31.861 grains. 

Carbonic acids, combined 22.591 

Sulphuric acid • 6.594 

Chlorine 8.701 

Bases. 

Oxide of iron 3-129 

Oxide of manganese traces. 

Lime 14970 

Magnesia 7-9 I 4 

Alumina traces. 



Alkalies. 



Potassa. 

Soda 

Lithia... 
Silica.... 



3-623 

10.602 

.009 

.742 



110.696 
Temperature, 52 Fahr. 

Sulphate of lime II - I 34 

Carbonate of lime 18.543 

Carbonate of magnesia 16.618 

Carbonate of iron 5.040 

Carbonate of manganese traces. 

Carbonate of potash 5-317 

Carbonate of soda 5-*35 

Carbonate of lithia 023 

Chloride of sodium I 4-34° 

Alumina traces. 

Silica 742 " 

Free carbonic acid 67.275 cubic in. 



The analysis shows the water to be a saline chalybeate, 
and of promising therapeutic character. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

SPRINGS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Bedford Springs — Gettysburg Spring — Frankfort Mineral Springs — 
Chalybeate Spring near Pittsburg — York Springs — Carlisle Springs 
— Perry County Springs — Doubling Gap and Chalybeate Springs 
— Fayette Spring — Bath Chalybeate Spring — Blossburg Spring — 
Ephrata Springs — Yellow Springs — Caledonia Springs. 

Pursuing the plan I have adopted of introducing the 
States somewhat in respect to the extent and impor- 
tance of their mineral waters, I next notice the mineral 
springs of Pennsylvania; and first, as holding the high- 
est rank among her mineral fountains, the 

BEDFORD SPRINGS. 

The strong mineral impregnation of the Bedford 
waters, their valuable therapeutic effects, the high 
mountain altitude in which they are situated, together 
with the delightful summer climate and very pleasant 
mountain scenery of their neighborhood, combine to 
make them a place of large, pleasant, and useful resort, 
alike to the seekers of health and the votaries of pleasure. 
They are in the county of Bedford, and two miles from 
the village of Bedford, one hundred miles west of Har- 
risburg, and one hundred and thirty miles northwest 
from Baltimore; they are less than one hundred miles 
"east of Pittsburg, and one hundred and thirty north- 
west from Washington. 

The principal spring is known as Anderson's; the 

(255) 



256 SPRINGS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

others are called Sweet, Sulphur, Chalybeate, Limestone, 
and Fletcher' 's or Upper Spring. 

Anderson's Spring is a saline chalybeate water. Its 
most active ingredients are sulphate of magnesia and 
carbonate of iron ; the former exists in the water in the 
large proportion of 80 grains to the gallon, the latter in 
that of 5 grains. Dr. Church, who analyzed this water 
in 1825, states that "the water is clear, lively, and, 
sparkling. At 10 a.m. on the 28th of May, the tem- 
perature of the water in the spring was 58 Fahr., while 
that of the surrounding atmosphere was 73 of the 
same scale. Its specific gravity is 1029. It has a pecu- 
liar saline taste, resembling a weak solution of Epsom 
salts in water, impregnated with carbonic acid, and 
exhales no perceptible odor. On exposure in an open 
vessel to the air, it becomes vapid, but does not become 
turbid or deposit a sediment. The water deposits car- 
bonate of iron on those substances over which it con- 
stantly flows. Limestone, iron ore, calcareous and sili- 
cious substances abound about the spring." 

Dr. Church's analysis of one quart of the water shows 
the following results: — 

Sulphate of magnesia, or Epsom salts 20 grains. 

Sulphate of lime 3I " 

Muriate of soda 2$ " 

Muriate of lime f " 

Carbonate of iron , ii " 

Carbonate of lime 2 " 

Loss I " 

3i " 
Carbonic acid gas, i8i cubic inches. 

The Sweet Springs, according to Dr. Church, "are 
two in number, and issue from fissures in slate rocks, 
about fifty yards apart, on the east side of Federal Hill, 
about one hundred and fifty yards from Anderson's 
Spring, from which they are separated by Shover's 
Creek. They are copious springs, of remarkably pure 



BEDFORD SPRINGS. 



257 



water, which is very clear and colorless. Its tempera- 
ture was, on the 28th of May, 52 Fahr. The water 
of these springs is used for cooking, washing, etc. by 
the residents at Bedford Springs, and the visitors de- 
cidedly prefer it for drinking-water, and, on account of 
its purity, they very appropriately called these springs 
the Sweet Springs. ' ' 

The Sulphur Spring is on the west side of Shover's 
Creek, about two hundred yards from Anderson's 
Spring. It is not so copious in its flow as the other 
springs. Its temperature is 5 6° Fahr., and it has a 
strong odor of sulphuretted hydrogen. Dr. Church's 
experiments with this water determined that it holds 
in solution carbonic acid, sulphuretted hydrogen gas, 
with lime, magnesia, and common salt in small quan- 
tities. This spring contains no iron. 

The Chalybeate Spring, Dr. Church states, "rises 
in a meadow, about one and a half miles northeast of 
Bedford, and about three miles from Anderson's Spring. 
It is not a copious spring. The water exhales the pe- 
culiar odor of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, and is cov- 
ered with a thin whitish pellicle. When first taken 
from the spring it is clear and limpid, but on exposure 
in an open vessel to the action of the air it becomes 
turbid. Its taste is ferruginous and slightly hepatic." 
Experiments prove that this water contains sulphuretted 
hydrogen and carbonic acid gases, carbonate of iron, 
muriate of soda, and a minute portion of magnesia. 
In cleaning out this spring, many years ago, a part of 
the skeleton of a mammoth was found imbedded in the 
mud. 

The Limestone Spring is a bold fountain of pure 
water, about two hundred yards below Anderson's 
Spring. Its temperature is 51 Fahr. 



258 SPRINGS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Fletcher's, or the Upper Spring, is on the west 
side of Constitution Hill, one hundred and fifty yards - 
from Anderson's Spring. Its temperature is 55 ° Fahr. 
Dr. Church's experiments with this water show that, as 
compared with that of Anderson's Spring, it contains 
rather more iron and common salt, with less magne- 
sia, and about the same proportion of the other ingre- 
dients. 

The Bedford waters are laxative and tonic in their 
effects. They are said to "give rise to full purging, 
and cause a discharge of bilious or other acrid matters, 
with as much activity as the most powerful purgatives. 
They also excite the action of the kidneys and skin, 
causing a very free secretion of urine and perspiration. ' ' 



GETTYSBURG SPRING. 

This spring is located one mile west of Gettysburg, 
Adams County, Pennsylvania. It rises in a portion of 
the battle-ground made famous by one of the most san- 
guinary struggles of our recent civil war. If not en- 
tirely unknown as a water possessing curative powers, 
it was unknown to the fame it now enjoys, until after 
its surrounding hills were moistened by the fraternal 
blood of contending hosts. 

The legend of the place, that the virtues of the waters 
were first demonstrated by wounded soldiers who fell 
in battle in the vicinity of the springs, is probably 
more romantic than true. But there is little doubt that 
the distinction which the famous battle gave to the 
ground in which the spring is situated did much to 
direct attention to the spring and to lead to a more 
thorough examination of its waters. The chemical ex- 
amination of this spring by Prof. Genth recognizes the 
following constituents, in the proportions stated, in 
331 cubic inches of the water: — 



GETTYSBURG SPRING. 



2 59 



Sulphate of baryta 

Sulphate of strontia 

Sulphate of lime 

Sulphate of magnesia 

Sulphate of potash 

Sulphate of soda 

Chloride of sodium 

Chloride of lithium 

Bicarbonate of soda 

Bicarbonate of lime 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 

Bicarbonate of iron 

Bicarbonate of manganese 

Bicarbonate of nickel 

Bicarbonate of cobalt 

Bicarbonate of copper 

Borate of magnesia 

Phosphate of lime 

Fluoride of calcium 

Alumina 

Silicic acid 

Organic matter, with traces of nitric acid, etc... 
Impurities suspended in the water, like clay, etc. 



0,004.27 grains 


0,831.45 


' 


6,779.40 


1 


0,208.36 


' 


2,467.76 


' 


0,657.90 


1 


trace. 




o,704-S7 


' 


16,408.15 


' 


0,542.60 


1 


0,035.85 


• 


0,006.69 " 


trace. 


trace. 


0,000.50 


• 


0,034.92 


1 


0,006.79 


' 


0,009.54 


1 


0,003.80 


1 


2,030.88 


' 


0,708.70 


' 


1,100.69 




32,542.72 


• 



Analyses of mineral waters, however perfect they 
may be (and they are very often imperfect), cannot, in 
the very nature of the case, do more than plausibly 
indicate probable applicabilities and efficiencies, and 
should always be regarded rather as plausible hints to 
the invalid and the medical man than as positively de- 
termining medicinal efficacy and value. The very tests 
which reveal some qualities in mineral waters may have 
the power of destroying others, and these, too, maybe 
those in which the medicinal properties reside. The re- 
medial properties, then, of mineral waters cannot be de- 
termined with any positive certainty by analysis, however 
nicely conducted, but must be ascertained by experience. 

One dozen carefully diagnosed and "well-watched" 
cases, under the use of a mineral water, will do more to 
determine its medicinal powers than any analysis that 
can be made by the ablest chemist. But taking the 
indications which analysis reasonably supposes, and ap- 



260 SPRINGS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

plying them to the Gettysburg water, we would expect 
to witness from its use the same character of effects that 
have been known for centuries to result from the Euro- 
pean waters of similar chemical composition, such, for 
instance, as the well-known waters of Ems, Teplitz, 
Mont d' Or, and Vichy, which the Gettysburg water suf- 
ficiently resembles to justify a plausible inference that 
its medicinal efficacy would be similar. 

This, water belongs to the carburetted class of waters, 
and holds in solution ingredients that have given much 
reputation to such waters, both in Europe and America; 
and if judged alone by its analysis, favorably impresses 
the medical mind as to its therapeutic efficiency in some 
important forms of disease. 

The bicarbonate of lithia, found in this spring, is an 
interesting fact. In addition to the modifying influ- 
ences which this agent may, and probably does, exert 
upon its associated ingredients, its affinity for uric acid, 
and its consequent specific efficacy in dissolving uritic 
concretions when removed from the body, plausibly in- 
dicate its adaptation to the same end when internally 
used. 

The chemical composition of this water as shown 
by its analysis, taken as a whole, plainly indicates its 
adaptation as a valuable remedy in a long list of affec- 
tions of the mucous surfaces, and especially in dyspeptic 
depravities, chronic irritatiofis of the bowels, as well as 
of similar conditions of the kidneys and bladder. The 
invalid may hopefully look to the use of waters contain- 
ing the salts found in the Gettysburg spring, not only 
in chronic inflammations and irritations of the organs 
alluded to, but also in certain pulmonary disturbances, 
as bronchitis, chronic laryngitis, humoral asthma, ca- 
tarrh, etc. 

The reported curative effects of the water during the 
last five years are highly favorable to its employment 
in dyspepsia, chronic diarrhoea, gout, chronic rheu- 
matism ; in the various kidney and bladder affections, 



GETTYSBURG SPRING. • 261 

and especially in those of uric acid predominance. In 
albuminuria or Bright' 's disease it has been successfully 
prescribed before positive degeneration of the kidneys 
had taken place, and in some cases of diabetes it has 
been successfully prescribed. 

This water is decidedly alterative, as well as specific ; 
indeed, its principal sanative influences are exerted in 
its alterative power. This supposes its absorption into 
the general current of the circulation, and the influence 
there of the efficient medicinal materials which it holds 
in solution, in correcting the blood and the diseased 
organs and tissues, which such medicinal materials are 
adapted to alterate and correct; thus bringing them 
into a natural performance of their functions, and 
imparting a healthful tone and energy to the whole 
system. 

The operations of this and all other alterative waters 
are quiet and unobtrusive ; slow, but all the more sure, 
' and permanently valuable, because slow, in radically and 
effectually accomplishing their important mission. Its 
immediate and sensible effects are not very marked, 
producing ordinarily but little effect upon any of the 
excretory organs. 

This water, although very extensively employed in 
the treatment of disease for the last five years, has been 
mostly used as transported water, and in many instances 
after it had been removed from the spring several 
months. Recently, extensive improvements have been 
made at the spring, capable of accommodating a large 
number of visitors. 

The Gettysburg water, being essentially ungaseous, 
and holding its salts firmly in solution, is exceedingly 
well adapted for transportation. Indeed, with the single 
exception of its parting with that earthy freshness pecu- 
liar to all waters just issuing from their source, it under- 
goes no change by transportation, either by deposition of 
its salts, taste, general appearance, or medicinal efficacy. 
This is a valuable feature in the water, and while it in- 

2 3 



262 SPRINGS OF PENNSYLVANIA. . 

creases the material value of the fountain to its pro- 
prietors, gives confident assurance to invalids of the 
equal efficacy of the transported water with that used 
fresh at the spring. 

A proper method of using the Gettysburg water in 
ordinary cases is to take from one and a half to three 
pints in the course of the day and night, — that is, from 
one to three half-pint glasses at intervals before break- 
fast, one before dinner, and from one to two before 
retiring at night. 

Frankfort Mineral Springs. — These springs are 
situated in Beaver County, twenty-six miles southwest 
from Pittsburg, and one mile and a half from the vil- 
lage of Frankfort. The principal spring is known as 
Cave Spring. It arises within a large and very roman- 
tic cave, on the plantation of Mr. Stevens. The cave 
itself is an interesting natural curiosity, and is much 
visited by the people of the surrounding country. Dr. 
Church, of Pittsburg, directed attention to the medi- 
cinal virtues of the Cave Spring water many years ago. 
By his analysis the water is found to contain carbonic 
acid, carbonate of iron, carbonate of magnesia, muriate 
of soda, a minute portion of bitumen, and sulphuretted 
hydrogen gas. 

There is a fountain known as Leiper' s Spring, very 
near Frankfort, which Dr. Church found to hold in 
solution somewhat more carbonate of iron and muriate 
of soda, with less magnesia, and about the same pro- 
portion of carbonic acid, sulphuretted hydrogen, and 
bitumen, that is found in the Cave Spring water. 

Dr. Church remarks that these waters sometimes oc- 
casion nausea and vomiting when first drunk, but gen- 
erally they set kindly and pleasantly on the stomach. 
It generally operates mildly on the bowels and copiously 
by the kidneys. With some persons its free use occa- 
sions vertigo, with slight sensation of intoxication. As 
a therapeutic agent, it is said to " regulate the bowels, 



CHALYBEATE SPRINGS— YORK SPRINGS. 263 

strengthen the stomach, improve the appetite, clear the 
skin, promote diaphoresis, and cause great freedom of 
urination." 

Chalybeate Spring near Pittsburg. — This spring 
is about four miles from the city of Pittsburg. Dr. 
John Bell* gives the following description and analysis 
of it by Dr. Meade : — 

" When the water remains undisturbed for a few 
hours, it is covered by a white pellicle, its taste is lively 
and rather pungent, with a peculiar ferruginous flavor, 
and it exhales an odor of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. 
Its temperature is very generally uniform, and is 54 
Fahr. The specific gravity of the water differs little 
from the purest water, and is as 1.002 to 1.000. 

"According to Dr. Meade's analysis, it contains 
muriate of soda, 2 grains ; muriate of magnesia, ^ 
grain; oxide of iron, 1 grain; sulphate of lime, -J 
grain; carbonic acid gas in one quart of water, 18 
cubic inches. 

" Dr. Meade thinks this water even superior, in a 
medical point of view, to the water of the Schooled s 
Mountain Spring, which has long sustained a high 
character for its chalybeate properties." 

York Springs. — These springs are in Adams County, 
and are readily reached by railroad from Philadelphia 
and Baltimore. There are here two principal springs, 
one strongly chalybeate, the other distinctly saline. 
The latter contains 6 grains sulphate of lime, 4 muriate 
of soda, and 1.20 sulphate of magnesia in a pint of 
water. This spring is said to be diuretic and somewhat 
cathartic. The chalybeate is doubtless adapted to the 
class of diseases in which chalybeate waters are com- 
monly prescribed. 



Mineral and Thermal Springs, etc. 



264 SPRINGS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Carlisle Springs are mild sulphurous waters. They 
are near the pleasant town of Carlisle, through which 
passes the railroad from Philadelphia to Pittsburg. The 
hotel accommodations here are said to be very good. 

Perry County Springs. — These springs are at the 
base of Pisgah Mountain, fourteen miles from Harris- 
burg, and eleven from Carlisle. They belong distinctly 
to the thermal class, their temperature being from 70 
to 7 2 Fahr. When used as a drink they are gently 
aperient and decidedly diuretic. They are most es- 
teemed as a bath, and employed in this way have 
proved beneficial in various disorders, and especially 
in diseases of the skin. 

Doubling Gap Sulphurous and Chalybeate 
Springs. — These springs are in Cumberland County, 
about thirty miles west from Harrisburg. They are 
eight miles from Newville, through which the Cumber- 
land Valley Railroad passes, and from whence passen- 
gers to the springs are conveyed by stages. 

I am indebted to Dr. John Bell for Professor Booth's 
chemical examinations of these waters. He says, "The 
odor of sulphuretted hydrogen, perceived at some dis- 
tance from the springs, imparts to this water the pecu- 
liar properties of sulphur springs. Besides this ingre- 
dient, I find that the water contains carbonates of soda 
and of magnesia, Glauber's salts, Epsom salts, and 
common salt; ingredients which give it an increased 
value. After removing the excess of carbonic acid 
which it contains, it gives an alkaline reaction." 

Of the other springs he remarks, "The chalybeate 
water readily yields a precipitate after ebullition or 
continued exposure to the excess of carbonic acid. 
Besides the bicarbonate of iron, which is the chief 
characteristic, it also contains Epsom salts, common 
salt, and carbonate of magnesia." 

The composition of these springs indicates with suffl- 



BLOSSBURG SPRINGS. 265 

cient clearness their respective applicability as thera- 
peutic agents. The first belongs to the mild sulphurous 
saline, the second to the carbonated ferruginous class. 

Fayette Spring. — This spring is situated on the east- 
ern slope of the Laurel Hill, and near the great National 
road. The water is chalybeate, very cold and abundant 
in quality. The scenery around the spring is wild and 
romantic, and the coolness, freshness, and elasticity of 
the air wholesome and invigorating. 

Bath Chalybeate Spring is near the town of Bristol, 
on" the Delaware. Dr. Bell informs us that " these 
springs used to be visited by many of the citizens of 
Philadelphia, on account, in good part, of ready access 
to them," and that Dr. Benjamin Rush wrote an ac- 
count of them in 1773. They seem now to have gone 
very much out of public notice. 

Blossburg Springs. — These springs belong to the 
class known as acid waters in New York, and as alum 
springs in Virginia. In taste they very much resemble 
the Rockbridge Alum water. They contain a large 
amount of free sulphuric acid, and less alumina than 
the Virginia waters. Unlike Rockbridge water, they 
readily deposit, when removed from the spring, a large 
portion of the iron they hold in solution. 

The Blossburg waters are adapted to the same general 
class of diseases for which the Virginia and New York 
acid waters are beneficially prescribed. The dose of a 
" tablespoonful," in which they are sometimes recom- 
mended, is altogether too small to produce any benefi- 
cial effects in ordinary cases. I have had an opportunity 
of examining the Blossburg waters, and of carefully com- 
paring them with the Rockbridge waters, and I am sure, 
judging from the relative strength of the two, and from 
my knowledge of the proper dose of the latter, that 
from two to four or even five glasses of the Blossburg 
waters may in many cases be beneficially taken in the 
course of the twenty-four hours. 
23* 



266 SPRINGS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

These springs are in Tioga County, near the New 
York line, and in the immediate region of beds of iron 
and bituminous coal. 

In addition to the mineral springs of Pennsylvania, 
already noticed, there are numerous pure, cool, and in- 
vigorating fountains, that from the great purity of their 
waters, their healthful situation, the character of their 
accommodations, and the facility with which they may 
be reached, have become places of considerable summer 
resort. In this category may be reckoned the Ephrata, 
Yellow, and Caledonia Springs. I will notice them in 
the order in which I have named them. 

The Ephrata Springs, the annual resort of many 
persons during the summer season, are situated in the 
rich agricultural county of Lancaster. The grounds 
around them are very pleasant, the scenery interesting, 
and the hotel accommodations excellent. Baths of 
various temperatures are furnished, and many induce- 
ments offered to make the sojourn of visitors at these 
springs both agreeable and beneficial. 

The Yellow Springs are thirty miles from Philadel- 
phia, in the county of Chester. From these springs a 
magnificent view of a most interesting surrounding 
country is obtained. The rides and drives are very 
pleasant, and the twice daily communication with Phil- 
adelphia by the Reading . Railroad and stages offers 
great facilities to the citizens of the .city in the enjoy- 
ment of country air and spring recreations. They 
have facilities here for the shower and douche, as well 
as for the common immersion baths. The hotel ac- 
commodations are said to be most excellent. 

Caledonia Springs were formerly known as Swe- 
ney's Cold Springs. They are about fifteen miles from 
Chambersburg. Visitors to them, on arriving at Cham- 
bersburg, may immediately proceed by coach to their 
destination. The water of these springs, used as a 
bath, has enjoyed a high local reputation for many 



CALEDONIA SPRINGS. 267 

years, in the cure of various diseases for which cold, 
tepid, or warm baths are commonly employed. Chronic 
rheumatism has been often submitted to the Caledonia 
bath, and, it is said, with excellent effect. 

The waters of Caledonia are very pure, the baths 
comfortable, the aiisine admirable, while the mountain 
and intervale scenery, and the elastic, invigorating at- 
mosphere, afford all that could be desired of scenery 
or climate to delight the mind, invigorate the system, 
and give new life and energy to the habitues of cities, 
worn down in the treadmill of incessant toil, counting- 
room confinement, or commercial anxieties. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

MINERAL SPRINGS OF VERMONT. 

Clarendon Gaseous Springs. — This is a mild acid- 
ulous water, very slightly impregnated with saline mat- 
ter, so slightly, indeed, as to make it rank among the 
purest waters known. Dr. Bell* states on the authority 
of Dr. Gallup, who published a notice of this spring, 
that it has been ascertained by analysis to contain in 
an American gallon, 235 cubic inches, the following 
ingredients : — 

Nitrogen or azote 9.63 cubic inches. 

Carbonic acid 46.16 " " 

Besides atmospheric air. 

Carbonate of lime 3.02 grains. 

Muriate of lime, sulphate of lime, and sulphate of 

magnesia 2,74 " 

5-76 " 

Temperature of the Higher spring 48 Fahr., of the Lower 54 
Fahr. 

These waters have acquired considerable reputation 
in the surrounding country for the cure of dropsical 
effusions, diseases of the skin, chronic bronchitis, irri- 
tations of the bladder, etc. 

The quantity of the water advised to be used varies 
from five to twenty-five half-pint tumblers in the course 
of the twenty-four hours. It is said that on com- 
mencing their use they often excite slight nausea, 
with a sense of warmth on the surface, but that those 

* Mineral and Thermal Waters, etc. 
(268) 



MISSIS QUO I AND VERMONT SPRINGS. 269 

sensations disappear in five or six hours, in which time 
their diuretic effects will be manifest. 

Newburg Sulphur Spring is twenty-seven miles in 
an easterly direction from Montpelier. This is a spring 
of some notoriety in the country around, and consid- 
erably resorted to by invalids. No analysis, so far as 
I know, has been made of the water, but it is said to 
be very strongly impregnated with sulphuretted hy- 
drogen gas. Other springs of similar character are 
found in the same region of country. 

There are good hotel accommodations here, and 
pleasant facilities for bathing. The use of the water 
has been much praised in diseases of the skin, and in 
scrofulous affections. 

Highgate Springs, eleven miles from the boat-land- 
ing at Albon's Bay, are sulphurous waters,. and of the 
same general character as those of the Newburg Spring. 

The Abburgh Spring is a sulphurous water, similar 
to the waters of Newburg and Highgate just noticed. 

Professor Hitchcock mentions a thermal spring near 
Bennington, but does not give its temperature. It 
throws off oxygen and nitrogen gases, and the water is 
so abundant that it is used for operating machinery. 



MISSISQUOI SPRINGS— VERMONT SPRINGS. 

In the neighborhood of the village of Sheldon are 
two mineral springs that have recently been brought 
into public notice, mainly through the transportation 
of their waters, and publications claiming for them 
extraordinary virtues. One of these is known as the 
Missisquoi, the other as the Vermont Spring. Rising in 
the same neighborhood and in the same geological 
range, and the qualitative analysis of the two being very 



270 



SPRINGS OF VERMONT. 



similar, I assume that the two springs do not essentially 
differ in therapeutic qualities. They are both shown 
to contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, 
iron, alumina, chlorine, and silica, with sulphuric and 
hydrochloric acid. 

So far as the analyses of these waters indicate their 
therapeutic powers, their best effects may be looked for 
in cuticular diseases, ulcerations, strumous conditions of 
the system, and in the tertiary form of syphilis. The 
claim urged in behalf of these waters as a specific for 
the cure of scirrhus or cancer requires for its establish- 
ment more satisfactory evidence, I conceive, than has 
yet been given to the public. 

Pathology in reference to cancer is so often at fault, 
or, in other words, obstinate disorders far less intracta- 
ble are so often mistaken for it, that reports of the cure 
of such cases ought to be received with caution ; not 
because of any intention to deceive on the part of the 
relater, but because of his liability to be deceived as 
to the true pathology of such cases. I attach the more 
importance to this caution, because mineral waters in 
my hands, however efficacious they have been in skin 
diseases and in ill-conditioned ulcers, have never been 
found to be remedial in true scirrhus or cancer. 

Medical men, and every friend of humanity, will re- 
joice in an admitted specific that can be relied upon 
to cure and eradicate this terrible affection ; nor should 
we hold such results to be impossible, for it is not un- 
reasonable to suppose that nature is capable of pro- 
viding, perhaps has provided, a physical remedy for all 
her physical ills. 

The Alburgh Spring is near Missisquoi Bay, Grand 
Isle County, sixteen miles from St. Altians. Prof. 
Chandler, from his chemical analysis, states that this 
water contains — 

Potassium, sodium, lithium, lime, magnesia, strontia, 
chlorine, sulphuric acid, carbonic acid, and silica. 



ALBURGH SPRING. 



271 



These exist in the form of the following com- 
pounds : — 

Chloride of potassium, chloride of sodium, sulphate 
of potassa, bicarbonate of lithia, bicarbonate of soda, 
bicarbonate, of lime, bicarbonate of strontia, bicar- 
bonate of magnesia, and silica. 

The most interesting feature of this water, as ex- 
hibited by its analysis, is its distinct alkaline character, 
and the presence in it of the carbonate of lithia. 



CHAPTER XL. 

SPRINGS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

Hopkinton Springs have acquired some reputation 
in the section of country in which they are situated. 
An analysis of the water of the principal spring, by 
Dr. Gorham, shows that it contains the carbonates of 
magnesia, lime, and iron. One of the springs here is 
strongly impregnated with sulphur. 

Berkshire Soda Spring. — This watering-place is 
situated in the mountains in Berkshire County, three 
miles from the village of Great Barrington, through 
which the cars of the Housatonic Railroad run four 
times daily. During the watering-season, carriages run 
regularly four times a day between Great Barrington 
and the springs. 

As embodying the best information at command in ref- 
erence to this spring, I insert the following extract from 
a letter from Dr. C. T. Collins to Dr. Valentine Mo.tt, 
for which I am indebted to Dr. John Bell's recent vol- 
ume on the " Mineral and Thermal Springs of the United 
States and Canada:" — 

"I must not close this letter without mentioning a 
very valuable mineral spring, situated among the moun- 
tains, a short distance from this village, and which has 
for many years past had a high local reputation for the 
cure of scrofula and eruptive diseases of the skin. 

"The people in this part of the country consider it 
a specific for the cure of all that class of eruptive dis- 
eases which are popularly called by the vague and in- 
definite term of salt-rheum. 
(272) 



BERKSHIRE SODA SPRING. 



273 



" During the past year, by way of experiment, I have 
placed several obstinate cases of eczema, ecthyma, acne, 
porrigo, etc. under the exclusive treatment of this water, 
and the results have been very satisfactory. Indeed, 
I may say that, in some cases, its effect was most extra- 
ordinary. So pleased was I with the use of this mineral 
water that I sent a jug of it to New York City, and had 
it analyzed by Professor Doremus and Dr. Blake, the 
former assistant of Professor Silliman. It was found 
to contain soda, chlorine, carbonic acid, and a trace of 
alumina. Yet there is but little taste in it other than 
that of pure water. When bathed in, it imparts to the 
skin the most delightful softness of any that I have ever 
used, causing even a rough skin to feel smooth." 

Arrangements exist here for the comfortable use of 
warm, cold, and shower baths. 



24 



CHAPTER XLI. 

SPRINGS OF NEW JERSEY AND MAINE SCHOOLEY'S 

MOUNTAIN. 

ThI principal watering-place in New Jersey is 
Schooley's Mountain Spring, situated in Morris County, 
nineteen miles northwest from Morristown, and fifty 
from the city of New York, The water of this spring 
finds its exit from the earth near the summit of 
Schooley's Mountain, whence it is conveyed some 
distance down the mountain to a platform for the use 
of visitors, as a beverage and a bath. The quantity 
flowing from the spring is uniformly about thirty gal- 
lons in an hour. Its temperature is 50 Fahr. Its 
taste is strongly chalybeate, and it deposits oxide of 
iron readily upon substances with which it comes in 
contact. Its source is in the neighborhood of beds of 
iron ore, some of which, on both sides of the moun- 
tain, are worked advantageously in furnaces. 

The waters of this spring have been known to pos- 
sess valuable medicinal properties for more than three- 
quarters of a century, and for this reason, as well as on 
account of the salubrious atmosphere and its picturesque 
and romantic scenery, Schooley's Mountain has long 
been celebrated as one of the most desirable summer 
resorts for health and pleasure. 

According to a chemical examination of the water 
by Dr. Nevin, its chief ingredients are "muriate and 
sulphate of lime and carbonated oxide of iron." 

Dr. Bell remarks that "as a pure carbonated cha- 
lybeate, the water of Schooley's Mountain Spring is 
well adapted to a variety of maladies marked chiefly 
(274) 



SPRINGS OF MAINE. 



275 



by anaemia, debility, and mucous discharges in which 
there is no inflammation of an organ present. Its tend- 
ency to induce constipation must be watched, and this 
effect arrested by the use of mild aperients." 

Visitors to the springs from New York will go to 
Morristown by railroad and thence by stage, or to the 
White House by railroad and thence by stage. The 
springs are reached from Philadelphia by way of New 
Brunswick, and thence by stage, six miles, to Bound 
Brook, on the New Jersey Central Railroad. By this 
route they reach the White House, and thence, by stage, 
the springs. 

SPRINGS OF MAINE. 

Dr. C. P. Jackson, in a report upon the Geology of 
Maine, gives some account of two mineral springs in 
this State, the Saline Spring of Lubec, and Dexter's 
Chalybeate Spring. 

The Saline Lubec Spring rises near the junction of 
the blue limestone and red sandstone rocks, on the 
banks of a small stream near the head of Lubec Bay. 
He represents the water as clear and colorless, with a 
specific gravity of 1.025. The solid residuum of an 
Imperial gallon, perfectly dry, was 322.5 grains; 100 
grains of this dry salt gave, by analysis, in one pint of 
water, the following results : — 

Grains. Grains. 

Chloride of sodium 64.0 199.000 

Sulphate of lime 3.6 11. 210 

Chloride of magnesium 20.2 62.840 

Sulphate of soda 9.0 27.985 

Carbonate of iron 0.8 2.490 

Carbonate of lime 2.0 6.250 

Chloride of calcium a trace. 12.720 loss. 

Carbonic acid gas. 

99.6 3 22 -5°o 

.4 loss. 

100. o 



276 SPRINGS 'OF MAINE. 

Dexter Chalybeate Spring is located on the eastern 
branch of a stream known as Sebasticook. It deposits 
copiously " an ochreous yellow oxide of iron." Dr. 
Jackson considers this water a valuable tonic in various 
disorders of the digestive functions. 



CHAPTER XLII. 

MINERAL AND THERMAL WATERS BETWEEN THE MISSIS- 
SIPPI AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 

In California — Oregon — Kansas — New Mexico — Wyoming — Utah, 
etc. 

I depart from my general plan of treating only such 
springs as are improved for public use, to notice, in a 
brief way, the principal thermal and mineral fountains 
that have been discovered in the vast regions extending 
from the western borders of Iowa, Missouri, and Arkan- 
sas to the Pacific Ocean. 

In the States of California, Oregon, Nevada, and 
Kansas, as well as in the Territories of Idaho, New 
Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, etc., mineral and 
thermal waters are found in large abundance, of very 
positive quality, and of high temperature. 

In North or Upper California, west of the Cas- 
cade Range, and at the foot of Shasta Peak, springs are 
found hot enough, as travelers tell us, to boil eggs. The 
region around is volcanic, and the bare summit of the 
Peak, rising to a height of from 12,000 to 14,000 feet, 
is regarded as an extinct volcano. 

A few miles distant from the spring just mentioned 
is an acidulo-chalybeate fountain, and so sparkling, pun- 
gent, and effervescent is it that the trappers call it Soda 
Water. 

Dr. Le Conte describes a number of volca?iic springs 
in the Desert of Colorado, in Southern California, some 
of which are said to resemble the mud volcanoes of 
24* (277) 



278 MINERAL AND THERMAL WATERS 

Taman, in the Crimea, and others the eruptive springs 
or geysers in Iceland. They are in the neighbor- 
hood, and but six or eight miles distant from a range 
of volcanic hills from 800 to 1000 feet high. These 
springs consist of " numerous circular lakes, contain- 
ing boiling mud, and exhaling a naphtha-like odor. 
Many of them are incrusted with inspissated mud, form- 
ing cones three to four feet high, from the apex of which 
proceed mingled vapors of water, sal-ammoniac, and 
sulphur. Four of them eject steam and clear saline 
water, with great violence, resembling in appearance 
the jet from the pipe of a high-pressure engine." 
These springs are in a muddy plain, bordering on a 
saline lake. 

A hot sulphur spring, of the temperature of 137 
Fahr., exists near Warner's Rancheria, about ninety 
miles from the Colorado, in South California. 

Idaho furnishes numerous mineral and thermal 
springs of very decided character. 

The Beer Springs, described by Colonel- Fremont, 
are about 135 miles, in a direct line, from the South 
Pass, through the Wind River Mountains, which sepa- 
rate the waters that flow into the Atlantic from those 
that find their way into the Pacific. 

The Beer or Soda Springs are carbonated waters. 
They are described by Colonel Fremont as existing in 
great abundance in an amphitheatre of mineral waters, 
which is inclosed by the mountains that sweep around 
the circular bend of Bear River at its most northern 
point in the Territory of Idaho. 

In the immediate neighborhood of the Beer or Soda 
Springs Colonel Fremont discovered a very remark- 
able fountain, which throws up its waters in the form 
of a jet d ' eau to a variable height of about three feet. 
The flow of the water is accompanied by a "subterra- 
nean noise, which, together with the motion of the 
water, makes very much the impression of a steamboat 



BETWEEN THE MISSISSIPPI AND PACIFIC. 279 

in motion," and hence it was named the Steamboat 
Spring. + This is a carburetted water of the temperature 
of 87 Fahr. "Within, perhaps, two yards of the jet 
d'eau is a small hole of about an inch in diameter, 
through which, at regular intervals, escapes a blast of 
hot air, with a light wreath of smoke, accompanied by 
a regular noise." 

Hot Springs. — About two hundred and thirty miles 
northwest from Fort Hall are found hot springs of the 
temperature of 164 Fahr. 

Oregon has numerous thermal springs, of which we 
mention the following : — 

Malheur River Springs. — At the distance of one 
hundred and twenty miles in a northwestern direction 
from the Hot Springs of Idaho, mentioned above, are 
the Malheur Hot Springs. They are in latitude 44 
17' N., and longitude 117 W. Their temperature is 
1 93 Fahr. Elevation above the sea, 1880 feet. 

Hot and Warm Springs of Falls River. — These springs 
are on both sides of Falls River, in latitude 44 40' N., 
121 5' W. longitude. They are about two hundred 
miles west from the Malheur River Springs. 

The most noted springs of Colorado are the Carbu- 
retted or Boiling Springs of Pike' s Peak. On the South- 
ern route from Independence, in Missouri, to Oregon 
and California, the traveler passes the now famous Pike's 
Peak, at the foot of which, and ten miles from Puebla, 
are found the Boiling Springs. Their elevation is 6350 
feet above the ocean ; their latitude 38 42' north. 

Colonel Fremont describes these springs as numer- 
ous, and some of them as unique and very beautiful. 
He says, " I came suddenly upon a large, smooth 
rock, about twenty yards in diameter, where the water 
from several springs was bubbling and boiling up in the 
midst of a white incrustation with which it had covered 
a portion of the rock." In describing one of this 



2 8o MINERAL AND THERMAL WATERS 

group, he says, " In the upper part of the rock, which 
had apparently been formed by deposition, was a beau- 
tiful white basin, overhung by currant-bushes, in which 
the cold, clear water bubbled up, in constant motion 
by the escaping gas, and overflowing the rock, which 
it had almost entirely covered with a smooth crust of 
glistening white." 

These waters belong to the acidulous class, and are 
highly carburetted. They are said much to resemble 
the waters of the famous Seltzer Springs in the duchy 
of Nassau. Their temperature is variable, ranging, 
under different circumstances of the atmosphere, from 
54° to 69 Fahrenheit. 

New Mexico has numerous mineral and thermal 
springs, some of which are sulphurous, but they have 
not been described with sufficient accuracy to make us 
acquainted either with their peculiar characteristics or 
their precise localities. 

There are several springs in Wyoming that have at- 
tracted the attention of scientific travelers. Both Col- 
onel Fremont and Captain Stansbury, in their respective 
narratives, notice the 

Fort Laramie Spring. — This fountain, thermal in 
its character, is ten miles from Fort Laramie, between 
the North Fork of the Platte and the Laramie Rivers, 
in latitude 42 15' N., and longitude 104 47' W. It is 
in the southeastern portion of the Territory, 625 miles 
from St. Joseph's, in Missouri. Its temperature is 74 
Fahr., about the same as the Sweet Springs in Virginia. 

In the western part of Wyoming, and in the midst 
of the Salt Plains, in the valley of the Sweet Water 
River, are found what are known as the Ponds of Sal- 
eratus. The chief of these ponds appeared to Captain 
Stansbury "as if frozen over, and covered with a light 
coating of driven snow. It was found to be a slight 
depression, about 400 yards long by 150 in width, 



BETWEEN THE MISSISSIPPI AND PACIFIC. 281 

covered with an effervescence of carbonate of soda, 
left by the evaporation of the water which had held 
it in solution." This substance is quite abundant, and 
emigrants use it in their culinary operations in prefer- 
ence to the saleratus of the shops. 

Hot Springs of Pyramid Lake, Nevada. — The 
Pyramid Lake, embosomed in the Sierra Nevada Moun- 
tains, with its singular pyramidal mount, rising from 
its transparent waters to the height of about 600 feet, 
and walled in by almost perpendicular precipices, in 
some places nearly 3000 feet high, is a remarkable for- 
mation, and is said to have nothing to resemble it in 
any other portion of the world. Its boiling springs have 
attracted the attention of the scientific. Colonel Fre- 
mont describes them in about 39 N. latitude, and 117 
30' W. longitude, as boiling up with much noise. He 
states that the largest basin is several hundred feet in 
circumference, and has a circular space at one end of 
15 feet in diameter, entirely filled with boiling water, 
whose temperature near the edge is from 206 to 208 
Fahr. Its depth, near the centre, is more than 16 feet. 
The water is impregnated with common salt, but not 
so much so as to render it unfit for general cooking, 
and a mixture of snow makes it pleasant to drink. 

The late Captain Gunnison, speaking of these springs, 
says, "At the base of the hills, around the lake, issue 
numerous warm springs, that collect in pools and 
smaller lakes, inviting aquatic fowl, during the winter, 
to resort to their agreeable temperature, and where 
insect larvae furnish food at all times, and the soil is so 
heated that snow cannot lie in the vicinity. In some 
places springs of different temperature are in close 
proximity; some so hot that the hand cannot be thrust 
in them without pain." 

Utah Territory, more than any other portion of 
North America, abounds in thermal waters, many of 



282 MINERAL AND THERMAL WATERS 

which are sulphurous and saline, and of very high 
temperature. 

City Warm Sulphur Springs issue from a mountain 
on the immediate confines of Salt Lake City, and its 
waters are conveyed by pipes into bathing-houses, 
within the city, for the use of the inhabitants. The 
water is sulphurous, and yields, upon analysis, the car- 
bonates of lime and magnesia, with small portions of 
the chlorides of calcium and sodium, together with 
sulphate of soda. 

Three miles distant, and rising from the side of the 
mountain just mentioned, another spring flows out with 
great boldness. The temperature of its water is 128 
Fahr. The specific gravity of this water is very slightly 
greater than that of distilled water. It contains chloride 
of sodium and traces of chlorides of calcium and mag- 
nesium, sulphate and carbonate of lime and silica. 

Between Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake 
there are numerous warm fountains, which, Captain 
Gunnison informs us, deposit gypsum and other sul- 
phates. They constitute delightful bathing, but are 
said to destroy the fertility of the soil to which their 
waters are applied. 

Colonel Fremont thus describes a group of hot springs 
situated thirty-four miles north of Salt Lake City: — "In 
about seven miles from Clear Creek, the trail brought 
us to a place at the foot of the mountain, where there 
issued, with considerable force, ten or twelve hot springs, 
highly impregnated with salt. In one of them the ther- 
mometer stood at 136 , and in another at 132 Fahr., 
and the water, which spread in pools over the low 
grounds, was colored red." His analysis of this red 
earthy matter showed it to be highly impregnated with 
iron, and to contain the carbonates of magnesia and 
lime, with sulphate of lime, chloride of sodium, with 
silica and alumina. 

Near Bear River is a depression, in which issue three 
fountains between the strata, within the space of thirty 



BETWEEN THE MISSISSIPPI AND PACIFIC. 283 

feet, of which one is hot sulphur, the next tepid and 
salt, and the other cool, delicious drinking-water. 
The three currents unite, and flow off through the 
plain, forming the beginning of a large and bold river. 

Water of the Great Salt Lake.—Dx. Gale, of Wash- 
ington City, has examined the water of this wonderful 
saline reservoir. He describes it as perfectly clear, 
with a specific gravity of 1.170; common water being 
1. 000. One hundred parts evaporated to dryness gave 
22.422 of solid contents, consisting of chloride of 
sodium 20.196, sulphate of soda 1.834, chloride of 
magnesium 0.252, with a trace of chloride of calcium. 
Dr. G. regards this water as the purest and most con- 
centrated brine in the world. The strongest salines of 
the Syracuse wells in New York contain but 17.35 per 
cent of the chloride of sodium. 

Various salt and sulphur springs arise from the moun- 
tains and plains near the Great Salt Lake, and flow 
into it. 

• Thermal Saline Springs. — Captain Stansbury, in his 
narrative, informs us of the Warm Saline, whose tem- 
perature is 74 Fahr., that breaks out from the moun- 
tain at the northern end of the lake, and of the Warm 
Springs in the same locality, whose temperature is 84 
Fahr. 

We are told that the whole western shore of Salt 
Lake, bounded by an immense plain of soft mud, is 
traversed by numerous rills of sulphurous and salt water, 
that mostly sink into the earth, or are evaporated before 
they reach the lake. 

Thermal Saline Springs of Spring Valley. — In this 
valley, lying on the western side of the mountain that 
extends in a southerly direction from the south end of 
Salt Lake, thermal saline springs are so numerous as to 
give the name to their location. Their temperature is 
generally about 74 Fahr. 



284 THERMAL SPRINGS OF AMERICA. 

TABLE EXHIBITING THE THERMALIZATION OF 
THE VARIOUS WARM AND HOT SPRINGS OF THE 
UNITED STATES AND ITS TERRITORIES. 

I have thought that it would be interesting to my 
readers to have a condensed view of the various thermal 
springs of the United States and its Territories. 

Virginia is rich in thermal waters, and up to the time 
of the discovery of the numerous hot springs of New 
Mexico, was regarded as possessing more of this class 
of waters than any other portion of the continent. 

I shall first notice the thermal waters of Virginia and 
West Virginia, and shall regard all the springs as be- 
longing to that class whose waters are distinctly above 
the mean temperature of the immediate country in 
which they arise. In this class I include the Green- 
brier White Sulphur, although not generally regarded 
as a thermal spring ; but the fact that it is full ten de- 
grees above the mean temperature of the atmosphere 
and the media through which it flows, as well as of 
the neighboring fountains, properly gives to it that 
character. 

Fahrenheit. 

White Sulphur, West Virginia 62 

Holston Springs, Scott County, Virginia 68° 

Bath, Berkeley County, West Virginia 73 

Sweet Springs, Monroe County, West Virginia 73 to 74° 

Red Sweet, Alleghany County, Virginia 75 to 79 

Healing Spring, Bath County, Virginia 85 

Warm Springs, Bath County, Virginia 98 ° 

Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia 98 to 106 

Perry County, Pennsylvania 72 

Lebanon, New York 73 

Merriwether County, Georgia 95 

Buncombe County, North Carolina ;... 94 to 104 

Warm Springs, French Broad, Tennessee 95 

Florida Sulphur Springs 70 

Washita, Arkansas 140 to 156° 

Spring near Fort Laramie, Wyoming 74 

Hot Sulphur Springs of California 137 

Hot Springs at Shasta Peak, California 

Great Salt Lake City Warm Springs 

Great Salt Lake Hot Springs, Utah 123 



THERMAL SPRINGS OF AMERICA. 285 

Fahrenheit. 
Great Salt Lake Hot Chalybeate, thirty miles from 

Great Salt Lake 132 to 136 

Great Salt Lake Thermal Saline 74 to 84 

Great Salt Lake Spring Valley Saline 70 to 74 

Bear River Warm and Hot Springs, seventy-four miles 

northwest from Salt Lake City 134 

Lake Utah Warm Springs 

Hot Springs, Idaho 164 

Malheur River Hot Springs, Oregon 193 

Hot and Warm Springs, Falls River, Oregon 89 to 134 

Hot Springs, Pyramid Lake, Nevada* 206 to 208 

* Mineral and Thermal Springs of the United States, by Bell. 



25 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

MINERAL SPRINGS OF CANADA. 

The Caledonia Springs. — These springs are situ- 
ated about forty miles from Montreal, and a few miles 
south of the Ottawa River. They are a place of con- 
siderable resort during the summer season. There are 
four springs in this group deserving of notice. They 
are known as the Gas, the Saline, the Sulphur, and the 
Intermitting Spring. 

The first three issue through a pliocene clay, within 
a few rods of each other. They are all more or less 
alkaline in character, the Sulphur the most so. The 
intermitting spring is two miles distant from the others, 
abounds in earthy chlorides, and emits carburetted hy- 
drogen gas largely at irregular intervals. 

i. The Gas Spring. — The temperature of this spring 
was found to be 44. 4 when the thermometer stood 
in the air at 61. 7 . It discharges about four gallons of 
water per minute, and evolves a gas, ascertained to be 
carburetted hydrogen, at the rate of 300 cubic inches 
a minute. Its specific gravity is 1006.2; its taste 
pleasantly saline, without bitterness ; its saline ingre- 
dients in 1000 parts, 7.7775. Carbonic acid in 100 
cubic inches, 17.5. 

2. Saline Spring. — This spring is not very dissimi- 
lar from the one just named, but, notwithstanding, 
from the name it bears, is somewhat less saline. Its 
temperature and specific gravity are essentially the 
(286) 



MINERAL SPRINGS OF CANADA. 287 

same. Occasionally it emits a stray bubble of carbu- 
retted hydrogen, but the amount of that gas evolved is 
very small. It is somewhat more strongly alkaline 
than the Gas Spring. This spring yields 10 gallons per 
minute, and to every 1000 parts of its water gives 7.347 
parts of solid matter. Its free carbonic acid is 14.7 
cubic inches in 100 cubic inches of water. 

3. Sulphur Spring. — The water of this spring is 
slightly sulphurous in taste and odor. Solid matter in 
1000 parts, 4.9506. It is somewhat more alkaline than 
the other springs of the group, contains silica in a rela- 
tively large proportion, and exhibits traces of iodine 
and iron. 

4. Intermitting Spring. — The temperature of this 
spring was 50 when the atmosphere around was 6i°. 
Solid matter in 1000 parts of its waters, 14.639 parts. 
Chemical examination detects the existence of bromine, 
chlorine, and iodine in the water, with sodium, potas- 
sium, magnesium, and calcium. A large portion of the 
two latter exist in the form of chlorides. Traces of 
alumina and iron are also found. 

Tuscarora Acid Spring. — This spring is located in 
Tuscarora Township, 21 miles north of Port Dover. 
Its waters abound in free sulphuric acid, in the propor- 
tion of 4 parts in 1000, and, also, with the sulphate of 
the alkalies, magnesia, lime, alumina, and iron in small 
quantities. It emits occasional bubbles of carburetted 
hydrogen, and its waters are acid and styptic to the 
taste, and decidedly sulphurous, while the odor of sul- 
phuretted hydrogen is manifest for some distance around 
the spring. 

Charlottesville Sulphur Spring. — This spring is 
in the neighborhood of Port Dover, on Lake Erie. 
Its waters are sparkling and limpid, their odor strongly 
sulphurous. The taste of the water is pungent, with a 



288 MINERAL SPRINGS OF CANADA. 

slight impression of sweetness, leaving a sense of warmth 
in the mouth. Chemical examinations show the pres- 
ence of chlorides and sulphates in the water ; the bases 
are ascertained to be soda, potash, magnesia, and lime, 
with traces of iron and alumina. It abounds very 
strongly in sulphuretted hydrogen, containing 26.8 
cubic inches to the gallon. Its solid matter is 2.49446 
parts to 1000. 

Mineral Artesian Wells at St. Catharine's, On- 
tario. — The analysis of this water, as reported in a 
printed circular, is very extraordinary. If the pub- 
lished statement of its analysis, by Dr. Chilton, be 
correct, and the water sent to him for examination was 
the natural water of St. Catharine's, the quantities in 
which its ingredients are held in solution, when we con- 
sider their peculiar character, are unexampled in the 
history of mineral fountains. 

Dr. John Bell,* with amiable manifestations of in- 
credulity, remarks, "Assuming the printed statements 
of the results of an analysis, by Dr. James R. Chilton, 
to be correct, the saline ingredients of this water are in 
a singularly large proportion, and this, too, of certain 
salts which are far from being common, still less abun- 
dant, in mineral springs. A pint of the water is rep- 
resented to hold in solution 5064.15 grains of saline 
substances, which are equal to nearly five-sevenths of 
the watery menstruum in which they are dissolved. In 
other words, 16 ounces of the water hold in solution 
rather more than 10^ ounces of saline matter. They 
are in the following proportions in one pint of water ; 
its specific gravity at 6o° Fahr. being 1.0347 : — 

Chloride of calcium 2950.40 

Chloride of magnesium 1289.76 

Chloride of sodium 781.36 

Protochloride of iron 13-76 

Sulphate of lime 16.32 

* Mineral and Thermal Waters of the United States and Canada. 



MINERAL SPRINGS OF CANADA. 289 

Carbonates of lime and magnesia 2.08 

Bromide of magnesium a trace. 

Iodide of magnesium a trace. 

Silica and alumina .47 

Grains 5064.15 

"■ According to this analysis, the proportion of 
chloride of calcium (muriate of lime) in the water is a 
little more even than that which is found in the solu- 
tion of this salt directed by the Pharmacopoeia of the 
United States, viz., one part of the chloride in two 
and a half parts of the solution." On reading a little 
further, after the table of constituents of this water, 
we come toa" Card to the Public," in which we learn 
that the product of the artesian well is subjected to a 
certain process of depuration and evaporation, and that 
" that part which is composed of common salt first settles 
and is removed ; the remainder is dipped into vats 
until the earthy matter subsides, and then bottled off 
without any drug or admixture whatever being added 
thereto." Dr. Bell adds, "One thing seems to be 
certain, that the water bottled and sent away is a water 
prepared from that of St. Catharine's well, but not the 
water the direct flow from the vein or veins ' opened 
by boring.' " He further adds, in proof of the wonder- 
ful differences in the strength of the saline impregna- 
tions of different specimens of this water, that Mr. J. 
E. Young, an intelligent chemist, examined a specimen 
of this water left at the shop of Professor Procter, of 
the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, with the assur- 
ance that it was from St. Catharine's well, in its original 
state, with the following results: — "Specific gravity, 
1.390; saline contents in one ounce, 164 grains, and 
in one pint, 2624 grains. This last, large as is the 
proportion, is only a little more than one-half of the 
quantity of the salts contained in a pint of the water 
sent to Dr. Chilton for analysis." 

Varennes Springs. — These springs are on the St. 

25* 



290 ' MINERAL SPRINGS OF CANADA. 



Lawrence, seventeen miles below Montreal. Many 
years ago they were largely resorted to, : but less so of 
late years, though probably from no want of merit in 
the waters. 

There are two springs here, called the Gas and the 
Saline Spring. Both springs contain iodide, chloride, 
and bromide of sodium, with carbonates of soda, 
strontia, baryta, lime, magnesia, and iron. The tem- 
perature of the water is 45 ° to 47 Fahr. 

St. Leon Spring is a saline chalybeate, similar in its 
general character to the springs of Varennes, but con- 
taining more iron. It emits large quantities of car- 
buretted hydrogen gas. 

The Plantagenet Spring derives its name from the 
township in which it is situated. It is near the river 
Ottawa. It resembles in the general character of its 
waters the St. Leon Spring. 

Caxton Spring. — This spring is found in Caxton 
Township, on the river Yarnachiche. It resembles very 
much the St. Leon and Plantagenet Springs in the 
character of its waters, and, like the St. Leon, evolves 
large quantities of carburetted hydrogen. 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Acid Springs, New York 249 

Adams County Springs, Ohio 189 

Adirondack Springs, New York 254 

Administration — Remarks, etc 33 

Albany Artesian Wells, New York 236 

Alburgh Springs, Vermont 270 

Alleghany Springs, Virginia 165 

Allison's Springs, Tennessee 196 

Alterative Effects of Mineral Waters 29-83 

Alum Springs, Rogersville, Tennessee.... 199 

Analysis White Sulphur Water 67 

Ancient Use of Mineral Waters 21 

Avon Springs, New York 240 

Bailey's Springs, Alabama 209 

Ballston Springs, New York 227. 

Bath Alum Springs, Virginia 147 

Bath Springs, Pennsylvania 265 

Bedford Springs, Tennessee 255 

Beersheba Springs, Tennessee 196 

Berkeley Springs, Virginia 159 

Berkshire Springs, Massachusetts 272 

Best Time for Visiting Springs 57 

Bethesda Springs, Wisconsin 194 

Bladen Springs, Alabama 208 

Blue Lick Springs, Kentucky 186 

Blue Ridge Springs, Virginia '. 164 

Buffalo Springs, Virginia 178 

Byron Acid Springs, New York 253 

Caledonia Springs, Pennsylvania 266 

California, Springs of. 277 

Canada, Springs of 286-290 

Capon Springs, Virginia 161 

Carlisle Spring, Pennsylvania 264 

Catoosa Springs, Georgia 207 

Catskill Spring, New York 248 

Chalybeate Spring at White Sulphur 108 

(291) 



292 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Chalybeate Spring near Pittsburg 263 

Changing from Spring to Spring 42 

Chappaqua Spring, New York 247 

Charleston Artesian Well 205 

Chick's Spring, South Carolina 205 

Chittenong Springs, New York 245 

Clifton Springs, New York 245 

Cold Sulphur Spring, Virginia 150 

Columbian Spring, Saratoga 225 

Congress Spring, New York 222 

Cooper's Well, Mississippi 210 

Corner's Black and White Sulphur, Virginia 163 

Diet and Exercise at Springs 45 

Directions for Use of Saratoga Waters, and Diseases for which 

used 232-236 

Directions for Use of White Sulphur 81 

Diseases for which White Sulphur should not be used 107 

Diseases treated by White Sulphur 91-107 

Doubling Gap Spring, Pennsylvania 264 

Dress at Mineral Springs 44 

Empire Spring, Saratoga 225 

Ephrata Springs, Pennsylvania 266 

Errors and Abuses in the Use of Mineral Waters 37, 230-232 

Estill Springs, Kentucky 187 

Experience the only Sure Guide 23 

Fauquier White Sulphur, Virginia 178 

Fayette Springs, Pennsylvania 265 

Flat Rock, Saratoga 225 

Florida, Springs of. 218 

Frankfort Springs, Pennsylvania 262 

French Lick Springs, Indiana 190 

Gettysburg Springs, Pennsylvania 258 

Geyser, or Spouting, Saratoga , 226 

Glenn's Springs, South Carolina 204 

Gordon's Springs, Georgia 207 

Grayson White Sulphur, Virginia 174 

Halleck's Spring, New York 236 

Hamilton Spring, Saratoga 225 

Harrodsburg Springs, Kentucky 183 

Harrowgate Springs, New York 247 

Healing Springs, Virginia 137 

High Rock Spring, Saratoga 223 

Holston Springs, Virginia 175 

Hot Springs, Arkansas 214 

Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia 128 

Huguenot Springs, Virginia 180 

Iodine or Walton Spring, Saratoga 225 

Iodine Springs, Georgia 206 

Johnson's or Hollins's Institute, Virginia 164 

Jones's White Sulphur, North Carolina 202 



INDEX. 293 

PAGE 

Jordon Rockbridge Alum, Virginia 146 

Tordon's White Sulphur, Virginia 157 

Kittrell's Springs, North Carolina 203 

Lebanon Springs, New York 253 

Lee's Springs, Tennessee 198 

Length of Time to use Mineral Waters 31 

Liability to Mistakes as to Sulphur Waters 40 

Madison Springs, Georgia 206 

Maine, Springs of. 275 

Massanetta Springs, Virginia 156 

Medical Advice deemed essential in Europe, etc 37, 38, 230 

Medicinal Efficacy of Mineral Waters 26 

Medicines with Mineral Waters 50 

Messina Springs, New York 246 

Mineral Waters not a Catholicon 26-37 

Missisquoi Springs, Vermont 269 

Modus Operandi of Mineral Waters.. 28 

Montgomery White Sulphur, Virginia 170 

Montvale Springs, Tennessee 197 

Newberry Springs, New York 147 

Newburg Springs, Vermont 269 

New London Alum Springs, Virginia 181 

New River White Sulphur, Virginia 114 

New York Springs 219-254 

Ocean Springs, Mississippi 212 

Ohio White Sulphur, Ohio 188 

Olympian Springs, Kentucky 185 

Oregon, Springs of. , 278 

Pavilion Spring, Saratoga 223 

Periods for the Use of Mineral Waters 47 

Periods of the Year for Visiting Springs 57 

Perry County Spring, Pennsylvania 264 

Preparations for Use of White Sulphur, etc 84 

Prescribing Mineral Waters 50-55,229 

Pulaski Alum Springs, Virginia 174 

Pulse, Effects of White Sulphur, etc 86 

Putnam Spring, Saratoga 223 

Rawley Springs, Virginia 154 

Red Sulphur Springs, Virginia 111 

Reed's Springs, New York ; 236 

Resemblance of some Mineral Waters to Mercury in their Effects 35 

Richfield Springs, New York 244 

Roanoke Red Sulphur, Virginia 164 

Robertson's Springs, Tennessee ig6 

Rochester Springs, Kentucky 184 

Rochester Springs, New York 248 

Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virginia 141 

Rockbridge Baths, Virginia 150 

Routes to West Virginia and Virginia Springs 61 

Saline and Gaseous Efficacy of White Sulphur Waters 7T 



294 INDEX. 

PAGE 

Salivation from Sulphur Waters 36 

Salt Sulphur Springs, Virginia 109 

Saratoga Alum, Saratoga 225 

Saratoga Waters, how to be used, etc 234 

Schooley's Mountain Springs, New Jersey 274 

Sharon Springs, New York 274 

Shocco Springs, North Carolina 202 

Silk important as a Dress 45 

Springs in New Mexico, etc 277-283 

St. Louis Magnetic Springs, Michigan 192 

Stribling's Springs, Virginia 151 

Sweet Chalybeate, or Red Sweet, Virginia 121 

Sweet Springs, Virginia 115 

Synopsis of Important Facts in the Use of White Sulphur Water.. 87 

Tallahatta Springs, Alabama 209 

Tate's Springs, Tennessee 198 

Thermalization of Mineral Waters 131 

Thermalization Table of Mineral Waters 284 

Union Springs, Saratoga 223 

Variety Springs, Virginia 151 

Vermont Springs, Vermont 269 

Verona Springs, New York 248 

Virginia and West Virginia Springs 59 

Warm and Hot Bathing, Cautions, etc 201 

Warm and Hot Springs, North Carolina 200 

Warm Springs, Bath County, Virginia 134 

Warm Springs, French Broad, Tennessee 199 

Warm Springs, Georgia 206 

Westport Springs, Ohio 190 

West's Spring, South Carolina 204 

White Creek Springs, Tennessee 196 

White Sulphur Springs, North Carolina 203 

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia 62 

Williamstown Spring, South Carolina , 205 

Winchester Springs, Tennessee 196 

Yellow Springs, Ohio 189 

Yellow Springs, Pennsylvania 266 

Yellow Sulphur Springs, Virginia 171 

York Springs, Pennsylvania 263 



INDEX TO CARDS. 



Coleman & Rogers' Pharmacy and Mineral Water Depot, 

Baltimore ....... 3 

Gettysburg Springs, Pennsylvania .... 4-6 

Hollins Institute, Virginia . . . . .7 

Jordon Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virginia ... 8 

Hot Springs of Arkansas .... 9 

Levy Brothers, Merchants, Richmond . . . 11 

Massanetta Springs, Virginia . . . . .12 

Montvale Springs, Tennessee .... 13 

Piedmont & Arlington Life Insurance Co., Richmond . 14 

Rawley Springs, Virginia ..... 15 

Roanoke College, Virginia ..... 16 

Stieff's Pianos ...... 17 

Sweet Chalybeate Springs, Virginia . . . .18 

Wade & Boykin, Druggists, etc., Baltimore . . 19 

Warm Springs, Virginia ..... 20 

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia . . . 21 

Yellow Sulphur Springs, Virginia . . . .22 

CO 



COLEMAN & ROGERS' 

Pharmacy and Mineral Water 

DEPOT, 

178 W. BALTIMORE ST., 
BALTIMORE, MD. 



OUR STOCK EMBRACES A FULL LINE OF 

PURE DRUGS 

AND 

Rare PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS, 



CHEMICALS, Etc. 

ALSO, 

NATURAL MINERAL WATERS 

FROM THE 

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IN 

France, Germany, and the United States. 



dash Orders solicited, and satisfaction guaranteed. 
26 (3) 



THE 



Gettysburg Katalysine Water. 



Dr. John Bell, author of a standard medical work on Mineral 
Springs, says of it: — 

" The Gettysburg Water has produced signally curative and 
restorative effects in different forms of Dyspepsia, Sickness of 
the Stomach, Heart-burn, Water-brash, Acute Neuralgic Pains, 
Loss of Appetite, Chronic Diarrhoea, Torpid Liver, Gout, 
Chronic Rheumatism, Nodosities of the Joints, Approaching 
and Actual Paralysis, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, Gravel," etc. 

Dr. J. J. Moorman, resident Physician at the White Sulphur 
Springs, Professor of the Washington Medical University at 
Baltimore, and author of one of the best works on the use of 
Mineral Waters, writes : — 

"That as a solvent of the uretic concretions in rheumatism 
and gout, it promises to take a high rank among the medicinal 
springs of Europe and America. This solvent power is not 
claimed, that I am aware of, in behalf of any other mineral 
water or medical agent." 

The New York Medical Record editorially says : — 
"We have also seen cases of albuminuria much relieved by 
it, as well as the irritable bladder of old age and calculous dis- 
orders of the lithic acid diathesis. Prom experiments made on 
our own person, as well as others, we can state that the Get- 
tysburg Water is a regulator of all the secretions and excretions: 
under its influence the kidneys and liver, the glands of the in- 
testinal canal and the skin, all perform their normal functions ; 
the bowels, if constipated, become regular; the skin, if dry, 
becomes moist; the torpid liver is excited to healthy action, 
and the kidneys perform their functions with perfect regularity. 
There is a total absence of any disagreeable sensation whatever; 
the vis medicatrix seems roused to increased activity, and all 
morbid causes of bodily or even mental disorder seem rapidly 
to pass away. The result is — increased appetite and digestion, 
freer circulation, a stronger pulse, a calmer mind, a more tran- 
quil sleep, a clearer complexion, and an increasing nervou* 
and muscular power. . . . Where gouty or rheumatic per- 
sons are taking the Water, we find an extraordinary quantity of 
uric acid secreted or deposited from the urine; the sweat no 

(4) 



longer contains this principle in excess, as it generally does in 
gouty subjects; and with proper attention to regimen and diet, 
the health rapidly improves, distorted limbs become straight- 
ened, and enlarged joints gradually reduced to their natural 
size." 

For further reports from the medical profession, and of won- 
derful cures, send for pamphlets. 

WHITNEY BROS., General Agents, 

227 SOUTH J'JSOWr ST., PUILAHELPHIA. 



THE GETTYSBURG KATALYSINE SPRING 

is situated near the historic town of Gettysburg, Adams County, 
Pa. By an interesting coincidence it appears on the spot over 
which was fired the first gun in the great and decisive battle of 
our late War of Rebellion fought at this place. All around is 
historic ground. Though a local tradition ascribes to this 
Spring healing power, it was not generally considered medicinal 
until after the battle. The rumor that some of the wounded 
combatants had received benefit from the use of its waters, cur- 
rent at Gettysburg after the battle, induced resort to it by 
invalids, with results which can hardly find a parallel in the 
medical history of the world. The establishment of a great 
Spa had previously been the work of centuries; but the Get- 
tysburg Katalysine Spring leaped, by a single bound, from 
obscurity to the foremost rank among modern medical sources. 
The thirteenth revised edition of the United States Dispensa- 
tory classes this American Spring of yesterday with the re- 
nowned Carbonate Spas of the Old World, the Vichy, and the 
Pyrmont, while nearly every newspaper and medical journal 
of America has chronicled some of its wonderful cures. 

The enterprise, resulting in the erection of a large hotel at 
this Spring, was suggested by the published correspondence of 
Governors Curtin and Geary, and of General Meade, which 
commended it as eminently national and philanthropic. It 
was afterwards indorsed by the subjoined appeal of the mem- 
bers of the National Congress : — 

"The undersigned, deeply impressed with the wonderful cura- 

(5) 



tive prodigy which appears on the battle-field of Gettysburg, 
and learning that it is the design of public-spirited citizens to 
utilize this great discovery in the cause of medical science, and 
in the interest of humanity, by erecting in the vicinity a hotel 
for the entertainment of the afllicted of our own and other 
countries who may seek here their lost health, and of the patri- 
otic pilgrims to these holy grounds, deem it to be our duty to 
commend the proposed enterprise as eminently philanthropic 
and praiseworthy. 



ULYSSES MEECTTB, 
W. P. FESSENDEN, 
E. D. MORGAN, 
EOSCOE CONKLLNG, 
T. A. PLANTS, 

E. R. ECKLEY, 
JOHN TRIMBLE, 
N. B. JUDD, 

H. I. DAWES, 
WM. MOORE, 
H. W. CORBETT, 
B. F. RICE, 
J. A. GARFIELD, 
JOHN A. LOGAN, 
ORANGE FERRISS, 
J. G. BLAINE, 

B. F. HOPKINS, 

C. D. HUBBARD, 
W. B. WASHBURN, 
B. F. WADE, 
SCHUYLER COLFAX, 
ORRIS S. FERRY, 
HENRY WILSON, 

L. M. MORRILL, 
JOHN COVODE, 
OAKES AMES, 
GODLOVE S. ORTH, 
JOHN COBURN, 
JOHN TAFFE, 
W. G. COFFIN, 
R. R. BUTLER, 
W. B. STOKES, 
J. W. McCLURG, 
CHAS. UPSON, 
WM. H. KOONTZ, 
GEO. LAUKENCE, 

F. C. BEAMAN, 
J. F. BENJAMIN, 
JOHN HILL, 

H. D. WASHBURN, 
H. L. CAKE, 
ALEX. KAMSEY, 
GEO. H. WILLIAMS, 
MORTON C. HUNTER, 
W. MUNGEN, 

D. A. NUNN, 
T. D. ELIOT, 
DANL. J. MORRELL, 
W. H. HOOPER, 
AMASA COBB, 

B. F. LOAN, 



E. EGGLESTON, 
C. A. NEWCOMB, 
W. WILLIAMS, 
H. B. ANTHONY, 
J. B. HENDERSON, 
J. M. HOWARD, 
M. WELKER, 

W. SPRAGUE, 

A. H. LAFLIN, 

H. VAN AERNAM, 

GEO. P. VAN WYCK, 

WM. HIGBY, 

T. W. FERRY, 

LUKE P. POLAND, 

F. E. TROWBRIDGE, 
WM. A. PILE, 

GEO. W. ANDERSON, 
WM. LOUGHRIDGE, 
J. J. GRAVELY, 
RUFUS MALLORY, 
R. P. BUCKLAND. 
JAS. S. MARVIN, 

F. STONE, 
RICHARD YATES, 
HORACE MAYNARD, 

A. H. BAILEY, 
R. W. CLARKE, 
GEO. W. JULIAN, 
CHAS. O'NEILL, 
BURT VAN HORN, 
WM. M. STEWART, 
GEO. M. ADAMS, 
W. H. KELSEY, 

B. M. BOYER, 
CHAS. SITGREAVES, 
JOHN BEATTY, 

G. F. MILLER, 

C. T. HULBURD, 
WM. D. KELLEY, 
J. T. WILSON, 

J. K. MOOREHEAD, 

GEO. A. HALSEY, 

T. VAN HORN, 

JAMES W. NYE, 

F. T. FRELINGHUYSEN, 

GEORGE VICKERS, 

W. S. LINCOLN, 

JAMES M. CAVANAUGH, 

SIDNEY CLARKE, 

JACOB BENTON. 



(6) 



HOLLINS INSTITUTE, 

Botetourt Springs, 
ROANOKE COUNTY, VIRGINIA. 

COL. GEORGE P. TALOE, 
President of Trustees. 

CHARLES L. COCKE, A.M., 
General Superintendent. 



BOARD OF INSTRUCTION AND GOVERNMENT. 

SESSION 1873-73. 

JOSEPH A. TURNER, M.A., Modern Languages, Ethics, and English. 

CHARLES L. COCKE, A.M., Mathematics and Chapel Exercises. 

MISS BETTIE D. FOWLKES, Painting, Drawing, and Mathematics. 

MADAME A. BUTTEL, Colloquial French and German. 

MISS JULIA PORCHER, Instrumental Music and Vocalization. 

MISS SALLY BROWNE RYLAND, Preparatory School. 

MRS. SUSANNA V. COCKE, Domestic Department. 

WM. H. PLEASANT, Ancient Languages, History, and Science. 

AUGUST BUTTEL, Director of Music Department and Piano. 

MISS SALLY L. COCKE, Languages and English. 

MISS ROSA P. COCKE, Languages and History. 

MISS CYNTHIA McGAVOCK, Instrumental Music and Singing. 

MRS. MARY E. SLOAN, Superintendent of Music-Rooms. 

MRS. H. R. McVEIGH, Matron. 

MRS. FANNY THOMAS, Matron. 



In thin Institute there are nine Departments of Instruction : — I.English Lan- 
guage and Literature. II. Ancient Languages and Literature. III. Modern 
Languages and Literature (French and German ). IV. Mathematics. V. Natural 
Sciences. VI. Mental and Mural Science. VII. History. VIII. Music. IX. 
Drawing and Painting. 

The Iustitute is well provided with Musical Instruments, including fifteen 
Pianos, Organ, etc.. Chemical and Philosophical Apparatus, Minerals, Maps, 
etc. Sessions open about the loth of September, and continue nine months. 
Pupils may come in at any s"' ason of the year, and remain throughout the 
period of their school-days, including vacations. Parents of pupils are 
boarded during summer at moderate cost. 

This place, formerly known as "Johnston's Springs," has not I een 
kept as a public «« Watering- Place." In- thirty years, the premises having 
been wholly devoted to school purposes. It is, however, a delightful Summer 
Residence, enjoying the advantages of mineral waters, and a few orderly 
people are received as private boarders during summer. 

4tf- POST-OFFICE, Botetourt Springs, Va. 

DEPOT, Salem, Va. & Tenn. U.K. 

26* (7) 



JORDON ROCKBRIDGE 

Rockbridge County, Virginia. 



These Springs are 8 miles from Goshen Depot, on the 
Chesapeake and Ohio Kailroad, from which point Coaches 
run regularly over a good road to and from the Springs in 
connection with the Cars. 

The improvements here are entirely new, and embrace 
the modern conveniences for comfortable accommodations. 

The principal Hotel, in addition to Parlors, Dining-Room, 
Ball-Room, etc., contains upwards of one hundred Chambers, 
all newly furnished, for the accommodation of families or 
individuals. There are also Cottage accommodations outside 
the Hotel. 



In addition to the Alum Waters, whose medicinal 
waters are too well known to make it necessary to speak of 
them here, there is on the grounds one of the strongest and 
best Chalybeate Springs of the country, which, as a direct and 
powerful tonic, is well deserving the attention of Spring visi- 
tors. There is also within visiting distance from the Hotel 
another Spring, known as " Iodine and Alum Water, 1 ' which 
possesses valuable medicinal powers, and some peculiar to 
itself, and which will be constantly kept fresh at the Hotel for 
the use of visitors. The waters of this Spring are not only 
adapted to the cure of the various diseases commonly cured by 
Abim Waters, but also, from its peculiar and highly Alterative 
composition, to be a reliable remedy in other cases wherein 
these waters are uncertain or inefficient. 

Jg@r > Facilities for Recreation and Amusement usually found 
at fashionable Watering-Places will be found here. 



Post-Office, known as " Alum Springs," is kept in 
the Hotel. 



During the season an Office of the Western Union 
Telegraph Co. will also be kept in the Hotel, communicating 
with all parts of the world. 

(8) 



LEVY jps. 

THE LARGEST 

DRYGOODS HOUSE 

IN THE STATE, 

Nos. 1017 and 1019 Main Street, 
RICHMOND, VA. 



TERMS CASH. 

ONE PRICE AND NO DEVIATION. 



Purchasing their goods direct from the im- 
porters, manufacturers, and at the auction 
trade sales, enable them to offer extra induce- 
ments to purchasers of dry goods. 

Prompt attention given to orders. 

For particulars read daily papers published 

in Richmond, Petersburg, and Lynchburg. 

(») 



MASSANETTA SPRINGS, 

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA. 



The Water from the Ague or Taylor's Spring, taken at the 
Spring, has had historic fame for very many years for especial 
and specific powers in all chronic diseases originating in ma- 
laria, such as Ague and Fever, Enlargements of the Liver and 
Spleen, Chronic Inflammations of the Bronchia, Stomach, Kidneys, 
Bowels, Bladder, etc. etc., originating in Ague and Fever, Yellow, 
Congestive, and Bilious Fevers. 

The Water is soft, mucilaginous, and a more safe, pleasant, 
and sure remedy at the Spring than Quinine. It bears shipment 
well. We believe it to be antidotal to Miasmatic Poison ; and, if 
drunk in any swamp or miasmatic locality, a preventive of 
malarial diseases. 

For Dyspepsia, the Rachitic and Cachectic diseases of Chil- 
dren ; in Scrofula, Diphtheria, Scurvy, and in Womb and Vene- 
real diseases, the combined Ulcer and Ague Water is a charming 
remedy. 

For cost, carriage, etc. of transported Waters, address 

B. CHRISMAN, President, 

COWAN'S STATION, 

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA. 

(12) 



MOTTVALE SPRINGS, 

Blount County, East Tennessee. 



This favorite Summer Resort is 25 miles south of Knoxville, 
in a sequestered valley, almost encircled by lofty spurs of the 
" Chilhowee" Mountain, which here embosom a valley of sur- 
passing loveliness, in which these Springs have their source. 
Their elevation is 1400 feet above the level of the sea. 

The remarkable power of these Waters in the cure of func- 
tional derangements of the Liver, Bowels, Kidneys, and Skin, 
and indeed of Chronic Diseases generally, fully attests their high 
medicinal properties, and has long made them a place of large 
public resort. 



All the accessories for Recreation and Amusement usually 
found at fashionable Watering-Places will be found here. 



Route. — Visitors to Montvale will necessarily pass over 
the East Tennessee and Virginia or the Georgia Railroad, making 
the city of Knoxville a point ; thence by way of the Knoxville 
and Charleston Railroad to Marysville, 16 miles ; from which 
place they are conveyed in Coaches, running in connection with 
the Trains, to the Springs, 9 miles distant. 



The Springs will be open for the reception of Visitors 
on the 15th of May, and kept in a style worthy of the patronage 
of a discriminating public. 



For Pamphlets containing Analysis and general descrip- 
tion of the Waters, address 

JOSEPH L. KING, 

Montvale Springs, East Tennessee. 
(i3) 



PIEDMONT AND ARLINGTON 

^IFE {[NSURANCE^OMPANY, 

SOME OFFICE, 

W. C. Carrington, President. D. J. Hartsook, Secretary. 

J. E. Edwards, Vice-President. J. J. Hopkins, Assistant Secretary. 

Prof. E. B. Smith, Actuary. B. C. Hartsook, Cashier. 



Annual Income over One and a Quarter Million Dollars. 



Policies Liberal and Non-Forfeitable. Losses below the 
Average of other like Companies. 



All approved and thoroughly tested forms of Life and Endow- 
ment Policies issued. 



This Company has conducted its business at a Smaller 
Ratio op Expense to Income than auy other Company of same 
age in America. 



Just and liberal dealings with all its policy-holders, prompt- 
ness in paying claims, and tbe special advantages it presents 
to patrons, have secured to the Company unequaled success, 
and guarantee its continued prosperity. 



Surplus divided annually among policy-holders. Retiring 
policy-holders dealt with liberally. 



$100,000 deposited with Treasurer of Virginia, and in other 
States, for additional security of policy-holders. 



The Company has complied with the requirements of the 
Insurance Departments of New York, Ohio, California, Ken- 
tucky, etc. No other Southern Life Company has established 
itself in New York. 

NO COMPANY CAN OFFER SUPERIOR ADVANTAGES. 
Over 18,700 Policies issued to March 1, 1873. 
(14) 



RAWLEY SPRINGS, 

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, 

11 MILES FROM HARRISONBURG, VA. 



We announce to the Spring-going public that these Springs, 
so long and favorably known for their efficacy in the treatment 
of a large circle of diseases, will be open for the Season of 
1873 on 

THE FIRST DAY OF JTJINTE. 

These Waters have long been regarded as the strongest and 
most fortunately compounded Waters, that are distinctly chalybeate 
in character, — the union of other valuable medicinal ingredients 
with the iron making them not only actually Tonic, but also 
highly Alterative in their effects. 

Sl^f The usual facilities for Amusement and Recreation found 
at fashionable Watering-Places generally, will be found here. 

Every proper effort will be made to make our guests comfort- 
able, and to insure the continuance of the large patronage the 
Springs have heretofore enjoyed. 

CHARGES FOR THE SEASON. 

Board per month . . . . . $60.00 

" " week 15.00 

" " day 2.50 

Children and Servants, half price. 

J8@°* Rawley may be reached conveniently from the North and 
East by the Manassas Gap Railroad to Harrisonburg ; and from 
the South and West, from Staunton, via Harrisonburg. 

JB^ 5 - Omnibuses will run from the Springs daily, in connec- 
tion with the Railroad Cars. 

A. B. IRICH, 

President Board of Director*. 

J. N. WOODWARD, Superintendent. 

April, 1873. 

(*5) 



ROANOKE COLLEGE, 

s.a_Xj:e:m: 7 ya. 

Founded 1853. 



The Annual Sessions commence on the First "Wednesday in Sep- 
tember, and close the Third Wednesday in June. 

COURSE OF STUDY. 

The thorough and comprehensive curriculum, extending 
over a period of four years, embraces the following: — Classi- 
cal, Oriental, and Modern Languages, English Language, 
Belles-Lettres, History, and Literature, Moral and Intellect- 
ual Philosophy, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, International 
Law, Political Economy, with Lectures on Physiology and 
Hygiene. 

LOCATION. 

In point of location Koanoke College challenges com- 
parison with any other institution in America. The Koanoke 
Valley, in which it is situated, is unsurpassed for its fertility, 
beautiful mountain scenery, equable temperature, general 
healthfulness, and freedom from malarious diseases. Salem, 
the most thriving town in Southwest Virginia, is immedi- 
ately on the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad, and at 
the junction of the Valley Railroad, now under contract. 

EXPENSES. 

J^* The Expenses for a Session of ten months (including 
Tuition, Board, Fuel, Lights, Washing, etc.) are about $200. 
A slight advance on this estimate must be made for students 
boarding in private families. Pull details given in the annual 
catalogue. 

jg^° The low price of board ($10 to $14 per month), conse- 
quent upon the abundance of the country, enables this Institu- 
tion to educate young men on more reasonable terms than are 
offered by any other Institution of high grade in the South. 

J^g^ The unsurpassed advantages of Roanoke College 
have gained for it a wide and rapidly increasing popularity, 
students being in attendance annually from fourteen to eighteen 
States and Territories. 

Persons desiring fuller information are referred to Dr. 
J. J. Moorman, Physician to White Sulphur Springs, and 
Lecturer on Physiology and Hygiene in Roanoke College. 

For Catalogues and further particulars, address 

Rev. D. F. BITTLE, D.D.,Pres't. 
(16) 



STIEFFS piAUOS. 




Upwards of fifty First Premiums, Gold and Silver 
Medals, were awarded to Charles M. Stieff for the 
best Piano, in competition with all the leading manu- 
facturers in the country. 

Office and Warerooms, No. 9 N. Liberty Street, 
Baltimore, Md. 

The superiority of the Unrivaled Stieff Piano-Forte 
is conceded by all who have compared it with others. 
In their New Grand Square Scale, seven and one-third 
Octaves, the manufacturer has succeeded in making 
the most perfect Piano-Forte possible. 

Prices will be found as reasonable as consistent with 
thorough workmanship. 

A large assortment of second-hand Pianos always 
on hand, from $75 to $300. 

We are agents for the celebrated Burdett Cabinet, 
Parlor, and Church Organs, all styles and prices, to 
suit every one ; guaranteed to be fully equal to any 
made. 

Send for illustrated catalogue containing the names 
of over 1500 Southerners, 500 of whom are Yirginians, 
200 North Carolinians, 150 East Tennesseeans, and 
others throughout the South, who have bought the 
Stieff Piano since the close of the war. 

27 (17) 



Sweet Chalybeate Springs, 

Formerly known as the EED SWEET SPEIN6S, 
Alleghany County, Va. 



These Springs, so long and favorably known for their valuable 
tonic and alterative powers, both as a Beverage and Bath, have 
been newly and completely refitted, with convenient and com- 
fortable accommodations for 400 persons. 

Their situation is central in the Great Spring Region, being 
16 miles south of the White Sulphur, and 9 miles from Alleghany 
Station, on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. 

They will be open for the Reception of Visitors, for the 

Season of 1873, on the 1st day of June. 
The Various Sources of Kecreation and Amusement, 

common to the best-conducted Watering-Places, will be kept up 
for the accommodation of Visitors. Parties suffering from Dys- 
pepsia, Neuralgia, Chronic Diarrhoea, Spermatorrhoea, Fluor Albus, 
Amenorrhea, General Debility, and especially Incipient Consump- 
tion, will find the most decided and beneficial results following 
the use of these Waters. 

g^° Valuable as these Waters are admitted to be when used 
as a Beverage, the great charm of the place, pleasurably, hygi- 
enically, and medicinally, is found in the large Inclosed Fools 
for Plunge Bathing, and in the well-arranged Shower and Tub 
Baths of any degree of "temperature that may be desired. 

Taking the Bathing facilities here, all and in all, they are be- 
lieved to be equal, or superior, to any elsewhere to be found in 
the country. 

$jg^ Arrangements have been made for the residence at the 
Springs, during the Season, of a highly-competent Physician. 

JOHN KELLY, Proprietor. 

(.8) 



WADE & BOYKHJ, 

^To. 3 LIBERTY ST., 

IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALE DEALERS IN 

J)nt 5 s, Jmnb, •&, §\mknh f 



Etc. Etc. 



In addition to calling the attention of Dealers and Physicians 
to our carefully selected stock in our current business, we de- 
sire to elicit the attention of the general public to Dr. Wade's 

Liver Corrector and Dyspepsia Cure. 

Dr. Wade, having used this medicine with great success in 
his private practice for many years, has been induced to allow 
it to be put up under his especial care for general use in the 
diseases for which he has successfully prescribed it. 

We confidently recommend a trial of this remedy to those 
who are afflicted with diseases of the Liver or Stomach, or with 
Constipation of the Bowels, for the cure of which it is a prompt, 
safe, and reliable remedy. 

It is purely Vegetable in composition, and free from all alco- 
holic admixture. It has been successfully employed by many 
of the leading citizens of this and other States. 

In addition to the diseases above mentioned, this remedy has 
been very successfully used for the relief of Sick Headache, 
Jaundice, and in biliary conditions of the system generally. 

For sale by Druggists generally. ~©s 

(19) 



WARM SPRINGS, 

BATH COUNTY, VA. 



This famous Spa, long distinguished for its luxurious Bathing 
facilities, and for the cure of many diseases properly treated by 
Warm Bathing, is open for the reception of Visitors. 

Among the diseases for the cure of which these Waters have 
long been distinguished, we mention -Atonic Gout, Rheumatism, 
Lymphatic enlargements, Paralysis, Obstructions of the Liver and 
Spleen, Syphiloid affections, Cutaneous diseases, Nephritic and 
Calculous disorders, and the various chronic forms of Female 
Obstructions. 

The facilities here for efficient and pleasant Pool Bathing 
are not surpassed in America. The arrangement of Pools and 
Dressing- Rooms exclusively for Ladies commands universal ap- 
proval. 



The facilities for Amusements usually found at fashion- 
able Watering-Places. 



These Springs are distant from Millboro', on the Chesa- 
peake and Ohio Railroad, 15 miles ; from Covington, on the 
same road, 22 miles. From both places, pleasant and safe 
Coaches run over good roads in connection with the Railroad 
Cars. 



Travelers from the North should leave the Cars at 
Millboro\ Those from the West, at Covington or Millboro' . 

Telegraphic Office in Hotel. 

An experienced Physician resides at the place. 

Pamphlets forwarded, by mail, on application. 

JOHN L. EUBANK, 

Acting Partner and Superintendent. 

(20) 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, 

Greenbrier County, W. Va. 

• «•» • 

The undersigned beg leave to announce that these Springs, 
so long celebrated for their valuable Alterative Waters, their 
charming summer climate, and the large and fashionable crowds 
that annually resort to them, will be open for the Season of 
1873 on the 

l£>th I>A.Y OF MAY. 

Their capacity for accommodation is from 1500 to 2000 
persons. 

fi^ n Prof. Rosenberger's celebrated Band will be in attend- 
ance to enliven the Lawns and Ball- Room. 

Jd^* Masquerades and Fancy Balls as usual through the 
Season. 

An extensive Livery for the use of Visitors. 



HOT AND WARM SULPHUR BATHS, 

so efficacious in many cases, always at the command of the 
Visitor. 

fi^" The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad is now in excellent 
running order to the Springs both from the East and West. 

ffe&° A Telegraph Line is in operation to the Springs. 

CHARGES FOR THE SEASON. 

Board per day $3.00 

" " month of 30 days . . . 80.00 
Children and Colored Servants, half price. 
White Servants, according to accommodations furnished. 

J8^° We have the pleasure to announce to those who design 
to visit the Springs, that Prof. J. J. Moorman, M.D., well known 
as the author of several valuable books on Mineral Waters, 
and for 35 years the Physician to the White Sulphur, will be 
at the Springs this summer in that capacity. 

GEO. L. PEYTON & CO. 

White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., March, 1873. 

(21) 



YELLOW SULPHUR SPRINGS, 

Near Christiansburg, 
Montgomery County, Va. 

These Springs, so long distinguished for their active Tonic 
and valuable Alterative powers, will be opened for the Season of 
1873 on the First day of June. 

Jggg^~ The facilities for Amusement and Recreation usually 
found at first-class Watering-Places will be found here. 

Jg^° Telegraphic and Express lines are in operation to the 
Springs. 

Jg^" Hot and Warm Baths of the Mineral Water, so essential 
to many invalids, at command of the Visitors. 

Extensive additional improvements are now in progress, to 
be completed by the commencement of the season, among others, 
a large and commodious Hotel with all the modern improvements . 

The immense increase of visitation to this place within the 
last few years has made such extension of our improvements 
a necessity. 

These Springs arise with great boldness near the summit 
of the Alleghany Mountain, more than 2000 feet above the level 
of the sea, the most elevated and coolest summer resort in Virginia ; 
the climate being as salubrious, and the air as elastic and in- 
vigorating, as can well be imagined. 

As an efficient Tonic, this water has maintained an unsur- 
passed reputation for seventy years. As an Alterative in many 
chronic affections, it has proved a blessing to thousands. 

Owing to its fine tonic and alterative powers, its therapeutic 
applicabilities are extensive, but especially has it exhibited its 
curative powers in Dyspepsia, and chronic affections of the 
Abdominal Cavity ; in General Debility and Nervous Prostration. 
In various chronic affections of the Skin, in Kidney disorders, 
and in Chlorosis and kindred female affections, it has had a very 
large success. 

fygg* For Terms, which will be moderate, see our Pamphlet, 
which will be sent on application. 

Jg^g"* Excursion Tickets to the place can be obtained at all 
the principal Railroad Offices. 

J. J. & J. WADE, Proprietors. 

Yellow Sulphur Springs, Va., March, 1873. 

(22) 



